Podcasts about Amalgamation

Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon joined John in the studio for their regular catchup. They discussed the key issues facing the district, including managing fast-track developments, the council's amalgamation plans, and proposals to reduce speed limits on sections of Leeston Road from 100km/h, which have faced significant opposition from local residents. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Instead of mucking around and asking local councils to come up with ideas on how to re-arrange themselves, the government should have just gone straight to Ngāi Tahu. Because, even though the iwi wasn't asked to put forward a proposal, it has. And I think it's brilliant. It's one of those ideas that the councils themselves were always going to be incapable of coming up with. Because, what Ngāi Tahu has done, is it's looked at the South Island and thought about what is best for the South Island. Which none of the South Island councils have done. Because they only care about what's in it for them. In a nutshell, Ngāi Tahu is saying that, instead of having 24 councils in the South Island, we should just have five bigger ones. One area that isn't covered in the plan is the very top of the South Island. That's because it's not part of Ngai Tahu's tribal area. But the vast majority of the South Island would, generally, be divided by river boundaries. So Christchurch, Selwyn, Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura being merged into one council. With the boundaries pretty much being the Clarence River to the north, the Rakaia River to the south and the Southern Alps. Each council area would have a number of local boards, which people would be elected to and they would make decisions about really local things like pools and libraries. And there'd be a South Island-wide shared services entity which would be responsible for things like consents and planning. Which, to me, sounds something like a South Island-wide version of ECan. What is there not to like? My only criticism is that I think Ngāi Tahu might have left its run a bit late. It should have been coming out with this way before now. Because it might just have encouraged our councils to think beyond their own doorstep. Because, when you look at what the councils around here have come up with, their own doorstep is pretty much where their thinking has started and finished. Christchurch has decided it wants to stay as it is, the only change being adding ECan's responsibilities to its workload. Selwyn is exactly the same. And Waimakariri says it's prepared to merge with Hurunui. But we know it's doing that reluctantly, because it had to come up with something to keep the government happy. What's more, the government isn't obliged to take any notice of what Ngāi Tahu is saying here, because it's not a council and wasn't asked to put any ideas forward. But I think this would be a way better way of arranging local government in the South Island than the hotchpotch of ideas from local councils that have landed on the government's desk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's Matt Doocey and Labour's Reuben Davidson joined John MacDonald for Politics Friday this week. They covered some of the biggest topics from the week from the Christopher Luxon surviving another leadership vote, Ngāi Tahu's amalgamation proposal, and if developments benefiting from fast pass should pay more council rates. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is beginning to trawl through proposals for how councils want local government to be reshaped in their regions. About 48 councils are known to have submitted a Head Start proposal, while 17 have not. Minister for Local Government Simon Watts spoke to John Campbell.

The Government is focusing council reform efforts on those who are willing to amalgamate. It will be looking at 18 proposals put forward under its Head Start programme. Local Government Minister Simon Watts says work will start now, and they'll make final decisions early next year. He told Mike Hosking the plans for those who haven't participated will come later down the track. Watts says there will be a back stop for them, but work won't start on those until next year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The deadline for local councils to submit their amalgamation plans was yesterday, and Local Government New Zealand is calling for clarity on the next steps. In May, the Government gave councils three months to come up with proposals on how leadership in their regions should be reshaped - with 48 councils submitting Head Start proposals and 17 abstaining. LGNZ President and Gisborne mayor Rehette Stoltz says the organisation would love to have clarity on the next phase of this plan, given some councils didn't participate. "We now know that several councils have not participated, for whatever reason. They did try, but also, some councils like Gisborne and other unitary authorities did not have to take part in the Head Start. So we would love to have clarity about that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of North Island councils is working on an alternative proposal to the Government's amalgamation programme. City and district councils were given until Sunday to pitch plans to create larger combined unitary councils. Manawatu, Whanganui, Ruapehu, Rangitikei, and Tararua councils have signed a memorandum of understanding to work on an alternative model. Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford told Ryan Bridge they're looking at a federation model. That would keep individual mayors for each council but would see a higher body to manage regional issues. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The deadline has passed, and two amalgamation proposals have been submitted by the Wellington region's councils. The two plans are one big regional council - supported by Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Porirua and South Wairarapa, and a separate Wairarapa council supported by Masterton and Carterton. Upper Hutt and Kapiti have decided to go alone. Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little joins the show to share details of the submission, what's likely to happen next, and how he thinks the government will take on the proposals. Also, the deal with South Wairarapa, and the likelihood of a separate Wairarapa unitary authority. Does he expect the government will accept the proposals as is? Then the Mayor shares his memories of Takapū/Northern Ward Councillor Tony Randle who sadly passed over the weekend. He is remembered as a devoted councillor, family man, provided valued analysis and quality decision-making for the council, and was a staunch advocate for transport services in the city. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's Matt Doocey and Labour's Tracey McLellan joined John MacDonald for Politics Friday this week. They covered some of the biggest topics from the week from the Prime Minsters seemingly off-the-cuff call from an MMP referendum if re-elected, Labours small business policy, and what they think about the Greater Christchurch council's amalgamation plans. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Go to https://ground.news/horses to break out of echo chambers, understand different perspectives, and combat polarization with Ground News. Save 40% on their unlimited access Vantage plan. www.horses.land SOURCES: Lugard and the Creation of Provincial Administration Northern Nigeria - Z.O. APATA Cobalt Red - KARA The Resource Curse Revised: Conflict and Coltan in the Congo - NADIRA LALJI Amalgamation and the Crisis of Governance: The Nigeria Experience - OLUWATOBI, O. ADEYEMI (PH.D) How Europe Underdeveloped Africa - WALTER RODNEY Nigeria's Amalgamation, Social (In)Justice and Security Implications - TEMIDAYO DAVID OLADIPO & DAVID OLUWAFEMI BODUNDE Nigeria, 1914-2014: From Creation to Cremation? - EMMANUEL OLADIPO OJO Coltan, Congo & Conflict - ARTUR USANOV, MARJOLEIN DE RIDDER, WILLEM AUPING, STEPHANIE LINGEMANN, LUIS TERCERO ESPINOZA, MAGNUS ERICSSON, MASUMA FAROOKI, HENRIKE SIEVERS AND MAREN LIEDTKE Africa Is Not a Country - DIPO FALOYIN The Impact of Colonialism and Postcolonialism on the Democratic Republic of Congo - BITA BICUNDO The Lingering Legacy of Colonialism: The Case of Angola and its Post-Colonial Struggles - SURAJUDEEN OLUDOTUN OLADELE Geography and development in Africa: Overview and implications for regional cooperation - WIM NAUDE Stereotypes about Africa in Britain and the United States - ADAM HAHN, ILERI AKINNOLA, FAITH ADEYEMI, MARLEEN STELTER, INIOBONG ESSIEN, TAL MORAN, COLIN SMITH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm trying to work out in this council amalgamation back and forward, how many who aren't amalgamating are genuinely stuck, versus how many are simply sticking it up the Government because they don't like them and/or they don't like being told what to do? Councils are the bane of our lives. We are over council-ed, we are overrated and we should be immeasurably grateful to the central government who are capping rates and reducing the number of these groups. The deadline to submit your plan is this weekend. As always there are a decent number who haven't been able to get there, or if they have it will be close to deadline. Another part of the problem is of course we don't care. Our participation rate via voting is a joke. I noted ironically the other day Auckland Council set up a committee to work out why their turn out was only 28%. I could help them there – get rates down and produce fewer committees. The only reason you can argue against amalgamation is you're power hungry. There are 70+ councils in this country. A tiny island nation with a handful of people and we need, they argue, over 70 councils? Tiny little operations with duplication of services all over the place, all with their own rules, regulations and staffing costs and all with their weird variation and interpretation of rules. If ever there was a case for “less is more”, we have it. But no. Like recalcitrant children they are holding out. I assume some of them because they hope Labour get back and let them get on with their orgy of waste and inefficiency. When those who don't submit rely on the so-called back-up plan, they will moan about that too. The sad truth or outworking of this sort of behaviour is the revelation that these people are not really about us. They are not really about their community. They are about themselves. They are power grabbers and control freaks. They love their insignificant little fiefdoms and love to laud their perceived power over others. Come deadline and come the capping of the rates and the reduction of the council numbers, not to mention the water amalgamation, is there a single person outside those whose power is being disabled, that will actually miss what we currently have? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon says his council has shown leadership by asking the community for their preferred amalgamation option before their unanimous decision to amalgamate with Hurunui District Council. Speaking to Canterbury Mornings, Gordon says he is grateful that Christchurch City Council voted to remain in their current boundaries, and deciding against taking over urban areas of both Waimakariri and Selwyn. "I've made it very clear from early on that that wasn't a viable option or something that we wanted to see happen." The mayor also discussed the Pegasus Golf Course fast track application, and his view on building restrictions being mooted by Christchurch City Council and Christchurch International Airport. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Mayor joins Nick Mills in the studio for his monthly chat, one week out from the amalgamation deadline. Mayor Little takes your calls and Nick's questions including what happens if Upper Hutt doesn't cooperate? Will they be, as Hutt City Ken Laban says, "on the menu"? He says the focus of the amalgamation is keeping constituents connected with their council and avoiding distance others like Auckland experience. Also on the agenda, the arrival of Tiaki Wai's first water bills and Wellington transport issues. Mayor Little says "you've got to wonder" if the second Mt Victoria Tunnel will be completed in his lifetime. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, we discuss:The state of the MCUOutrageous Bruce Lee slanderBarack Obama's Summer PlaylistYG & Game VerzuzBijan Robinson + MORE!TUNE IN

Upper Hutt's mayor is urging other Wellington councils not to force the city into amalgamating against its will. There's little over a week to go before all councils must come up with a plan on simplifying local government. But in the capital, there's still stark disagreement about the details. Wellington issues reporter Ellen O'Dwyer has more.

Tararua District Council has taken on community feedback and won't be hurrying to meet the government's deadline on amalgamation. Mayor Scott Gilmore spoke to John Campbell.

Councils are calling for more time as some are still unable to find a partner or partners to create a group merger before the government's deadline. They have had three months to come up with their own deals under the 'head start' pathway, or get lumped with a plan forced on them instead. Acting Hamilton Mayor, Geoff Taylor spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

If you're a fan, like I am, of scrapping as many councils as possible because of how poorly the numpties on those councils are running the place, you're about to learn, as I am, that just because you and I like an idea doesn't mean everyone else does. We are two weeks away from Chris Bishop's deadline for councils to submit their amalgamation plans so that we end up with a few large councils instead of dozens of small ones. And, two weeks out, the wheels are starting to come off. Upper Hutt City Council has changed its mind. It doesn't want to amalgamate with Wellington anymore. By the looks of things, it made that decision this week. That's a little worrying because the Wellington amalgamation felt like the slam-dunk, easy one. It's been talked about for such a long time, the boundaries are obvious, there should just be one council and the carve-up of a small region into so many councils is unbelievably stupid. But despite all that, there's a problem. It doesn't look like it's going to happen easily. Wairoa is flat-out refusing to amalgamate with anyone and it makes a good case for why. As the ever-sensible Mayor of Wairoa, Craig Little, says, the efficiencies would flow to the centres, not the edges. Wairoa is on the edge and, to be honest, he's right, isn't he? Nelson wants to go with Tasman. Tasman doesn't want to go with Nelson. Canterbury has five different options for how it could do this but it doesn't know which one to choose. Hamilton also doesn't know how to do it. "Megatron" is apparently one option. Kaipara doesn't want to join up with the other Northland councils, although they're happy to join up with each other. Of course, this was always going to go this way when you think about it. Of course it was always going to descend into a fight. Auckland descended into a fight. It still is a fight for some people. There are still people who moan about the Super City in Auckland and it's been nearly 20 years. Spare a thought for Chris Bishop on this one because he's the minister responsible for all of this. His life already sucks. He's already breaking promises about Roads of National Significance. Auckland has already given him a good spanking over the density rules. Christopher Luxon has already taken away some of his favourite jobs. He's got the RMA reforms coming at him fast and those are going to be contentious as well. And now he's got this drama, which, in the next two weeks, is likely to blow up in his face.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday Faceoff this week, Nick was joined by Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett and ex Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown. Given both have experience as elected members of councils in the region, they gave their thoughts on Wellington's amalgamation discussion ahead of next month's submission deadline. They also discussed the scrutiny around politicians Stuart Nash and Paul Henry following comments made during the week, and the revelation the new Tiaki Wai water agency has hired an army of PR staff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plans for a Wellington Super City have suffered a major setback, with Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee indicating her city is unlikely to join. Local government leaders in the region have been working on an amalgamation proposal to meet the Government's August deadline. Zee signalled her position to the mayoral forum in confidence at a meeting on Thursday, saying she's not convinced the benefits are likely to outweigh the costs. Zee joined Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings to discuss where things sit for her. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three of four Northland district and regional councils will propose to the Government that they be merged. Ken Couper, Mayor for Whangarei and the spokesperson for the collective of Northland councils that are proposing amalgamation and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

While councils around the country are coming up with amalgamation proposals ahead of the government's August 9 deadline, Tasman District is staying well clear of any talks of a merger with Nelson. Tasman Mayor Tim King spoke to John Campbell.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger has pushed back on a Councillor's suggestion the city's relationship with central government is failing. Heathcote Councillor Nathaniel Herz Jardine says the council is still waiting for a reply after writing to South Island Minister James Meager in February. According to Herz Jardine, the lack of communication is creating uncertainty around infrastructure planning and future collaboration with the Government. However, Mauger says those concerns are overstated. Speaking to Canterbury Mornings, he described the comments as "bollocks" and said he speaks with Meager "from time-to-time". "We're doing okay and I don't want Christchurch to be seen as greedy buggers." Finance Minister Nicola Willis claimed last month the Christchurch City Council did not ask for anything in this year's Budget and that was why it missed out on funding. Mauger also discussed the council's proposal for an additional glass recycling bin, local government amalgamation, and the Government's plans to shift responsibility for climate adaptation planning to councils. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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On this 250th birthday of the USA, David and Chris revist an idea first born during America's bicentennial in 1976 - Marvel/DC crossovers. Plus: our own DC/Marvel Amalgam Universe characters!

Pardonnez le petit retard sur la publication, je vous avoue que j'étais assez peu motivé à enregistrer sous 35ºC dans mon bureau !J'espère sincèrement que la canicule ne vous a pas trop éprouvé, ou qu'au moins vous aurez pu trouver un peu de réconfort dans les jeux vidéo et la musique ! J'ai pris beaucoup de plaisir à fabriquer cette nouvelle sélection, qui s'étale grosso modo de la fin mai à la mi-juin.Beaucoup de belles nouveautés, mais aussi des retours inattendus et du teasing enthousiasmant pour des futurs bangers à venir… Bonne écoute !Comme dit dans le podcast, j'ai participé au dernier numéro du podcast GAMEHIFI de moonflowersoft sur la radio StationStation.fr. La diffusion a eu lieu ce vendredi 26 juin, et vous pouvez retrouver le replay à cette adresse !La sélection du mois(00:00:09) ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies"Functional Invisibility", Fernando Cabrera(00:04:56) Infinity Nikki"Blöm na Mova (Bloom of No Return)", Infinity Nikki, FoldEcho(00:07:35) Paralives"Train to Melino", Andrei Castañon(00:10:44) NTE"Out Of Sync", NTE10AM, 李天姿(00:14:11) Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves"CotW Main Menu", SNK SOUND TEAM(00:19:46) Wuthering Waves"To Hold You on the Moon", Wuthering Waves, Gokou, Sammy Clifford(00:22:38) Gitaroo-Man"'Bee' Jam Blues", COIL(00:27:49) Outer Wilds"Travelers", Andrew Prahlow(00:31:10) Soukh"Counting Grains", Noctis Tide Studios, GAUTHAM PRASAD(00:34:43) Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy"The Land (From Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy)", Olivier Deriviere, Vasiliki Anastasiou, Amalgamation choir(00:37:47) CONTROL Resonant"Manalan Mailla", CONTROL Resonant, Vilma Jää(00:41:00) Mina The Hollower"Hollowers Guild", Jake Kaufman(00:44:06) VA-11 Hall-A"Dancing in the Rain", Garoad(00:48:25) Bubsy 4D"Metalurgia Productions", Atari Music, Fat Bard(00:50:25) Fast Fusion"Cuevas del Sol", Francisco Cerda(00:53:12) Forza Horizon 6"Yuki Touge", Forza Horizon, Urbandawn(00:57:48) Blue Prince"Reclamation", Trigg & Gusset(01:02:29) Saros"Reputations", Daniel AveryMerci à Zenibuka pour le jingle d'introduction

An amalgamation question will go to people in both municipalities in the upcoming fall elections.But the question will be non-binding after a decision from the province that more work needs to be done.In this week's episode Gregor Craigie hears from politicians in both communities, Premier David Eby and a bit about what people on the street had to say about the issue.

Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon joined John in the studio for their regular catchup. They discussed the council's response to the Government's push for council amalgamation, her district's efforts to slow drivers down and create safer roads in growing residential areas, and her views on Selwyn residents having to pay full price to tour the new One New Zealand Stadium. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has told councils to come forward with plans or face having amalagamation plans made for them.

Nick Lloyd. Guest Nick Lloyd concludes with the American entry under General John J. Pershing in June 1917. Pershing arrived without an army but adamantly resisted "amalgamation," the Allied demand to fold American troops into French and British units. Lloyd explains that Pershing insisted on maintaining a semi-independent force, despite the desperate pleas of leaders like Lloyd George during the 1918 crisis. The Germans fatally underestimated American resolve, believing it would take years for them to become a factor. However, by 1918, the American contribution became decisive, enabling Foch's multi-pronged offensive that finally broke the German lines. Finally, Lloyd addresses the "stab in the back" myth, asserting that the German army was undeniably defeated on the battlefield and was falling apart by the time of the armistice. He defends the decision not to invade Germany, noting that the exhausted British and French populations could not have sustained further conflict. 819181 BELLEAU WOOD

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon joined John MacDonald to discuss the issues that matter to Waimakariri residents. They covered the proposed council amalgamation options the council has put out for feedback, and the strong interest from potential partners to help buy back the Pegasus Golf Course from a developer. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little has hit out at the government's August deadline for amalgamation proposals...while saying he wants to talk seriously about a mega-merger.

Councils around the country are working to a three month deadline to come up with a plan to amalgamate. Selwyn District mayor Lydia Gliddon spoke to John Campbell.

Wellington's mayor has voiced concerns with the Government cracking down on local councils. The mayor's outlined his response to the Government debate on council amalgamation - saying he'd vote yes on merging if a vote were held today. Councils have an August deadline to plan potential groupings, and are hold regular discussions. Andrew Little says the three-month deadline isn't enough, citing issues that arose with Auckland council. "I'm responsive to that, let's put together the best thing we can together - but I don't want to mislead the residents of the Wellington region and say that everybody's going to get a fair say, because we just won't have time to." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little spoke to constituents and officials this morning outlining the way forward for council amalgamation, as only ten weeks remain for the government's deadline. Mayor Little joins Nick on the show this morning to discuss his thoughts and plan as the deadline looms. With talks of a referendum, Little says if he had to decide today, he would go through with the amalgamation of the "core four" - Porirua, Hutt City and Upper Hutt. Nick finds out the latest on Upper Hutt's involvement, the effect on rates, what WCC have learnt from the Auckland Supercity merger and the possible structures that could sustain local voices. Little shares what the next steps look like, including potential of a referdendum. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was a story on the news last night about the government's push to have fewer local councils and how it's given them just a few months to come up with a plan. The threat being that, if they don't, the government will force it on them. And a couple of things struck me. First, it occurred to me how successful the government has been in getting these councils to toe the line. The councillors and mayors on the news last night were all going on about having the opportunity to choose their own destiny. Which, for some of them, will be looking for another job. One of them said it was great to do it to yourself instead of having someone else doing it to you, which they might have phrased a bit differently if they were given the chance. Nevertheless, I thought that if the government's objective was to make these councils sit up and take notice, then objective achieved. The other thing that occurred to me, and I see that Wellington mayor Andrew Little is saying the same thing, is that this local government reform has rip, shit and bust written all over it. Yes, 67 councils in a country the size of New Zealand is too much. And yes, amalgamating these councils makes perfect sense. I mean, I'm a big advocate of the greater Christchurch councils joining forces. Have been for a long time now. But, as Andrew Little is pointing out, establishing the super city in Auckland wasn't an overnight or rushed thing. He says the Auckland Council was created after a Royal Commission that ran for years. And he reckons it's going to be impossible for councils to properly design and submit proposals in the timeframe set by the government. And he's right. Although we know why the government's got the rush on, don't we? It's election year and it needs to be able to say before the election that it's delivering on its promise to overhaul the local government sector. But that's where the risk comes. Because if the government's motivation is to put itself in a position where it can trot out that line about getting stuff done, then we may end up with a local government structure no better than the one we've got. Yes, we might have fewer councils, but that might be about it. Because sometimes there's nothing wrong with taking your time to do something properly. And, for me, this is one of those times. We were talking about the Waimakariri Council yesterday and it's back in the news today, with this public consultation it's started as part of the plan it has to deliver to the government in just over two months from now. It's put three options on the table: staying on its own but picking up the work that ECan does in its neck of the woods, amalgamating with the Hurunui and or the Kaikōura councils, or joining forces with Christchurch City and Selwyn. Which is all horse before cart, just like the government's approach is horse before cart. Because right now things are still up in the air in terms of what these councils are going to be responsible for, especially with the government's intention to do away with regional councils such as Environment Canterbury. And until that becomes much clearer than it is now, it is futile asking councils to find another council or councils to join their team, because none of them have got any idea at the moment what they're going to be responsible for. So yes, press on with your local government reforms, but do it in a way that means we do actually end up with something better than what we've got now, and not just a rearrangement of the deck chairs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams is joined by Nick Clark from the New Zealand Initiative and Jordan Williams (Taxpayers' Union Executive Director) to break down the Government's plan to slash New Zealand's 78 local authorities down to as few as 15.They explain why bigger councils do not necessarily mean lower rates, better services, or fewer bureaucrats — and why amalgamation could actually make local government less accountable, less local, and even more expensive. From the Auckland Super City experiment to bloated town hall empires, unelected decision-makers, and the fight to bring councils back to core business, this is a must-listen for ratepayers wondering who really wins when Wellington decides bigger is better. Support the show

I was in the Coromandel over the weekend and I was reading their regional paper which still exists, The Informer, and in it was an article by Jeffrey Robinson, who's a local affairs reporter with decades of experience, and he points out the debate that is happening all over the country. The government is ending New Zealand's two tier regional and district council system, it has to happen by 2028 and every district must choose a new unitary council model. The only rule is, well you can't go with the status quo. There's got to be change, there's got to be a rationalisation, it's got to be amalgamation, it's got to be smaller. Now for Coromandel residents, they believe this means choosing between two options. One, create a small eastern Waikato focused council that looks after the Hauraki Plains and the Coromandel Peninsula that reflects the rural and coastal communities of interest, a Hauraki Plains Coromandel unitary authority. Or the other choice is be absorbed into a Hamilton based Waikato super city scenario. Despite not having asked its ratepayers what they want because there's just not enough time and the government has demanded the action, they're all debating it. And the Waikato Regional Council has already said what it wants: one giant unitary authority based out of Hamilton for the entire region. I mean it's the 07 isn't it? It's all got the same phone number, let's all have the same council. Now under that model, the Coromandel with just 32,000 people would hold one seat on a 16 member governing board based out of Hamilton. Hamilton alone would hold seven seats. They have the advantage, they have the influence. Decisions on rates and infrastructure and environmental management and long term planning would be made far from the Coromandel, while a Coromandel local board with only one seat to represent it would be left with minor matters they'd worry about parking and Christmas decorations, but they think they've got bigger fish to fry. And, of course, a Hamilton based super block of seat holders would mean that Hamilton would be able to dominate decisions and funding. Yeah we could do a new bridge in the Coromandel, or we could make sure that new suburb of Peacocke has more stuff. I think we'll go for the Peacocke, won't we? What do you think? Yeah, there's only one guy to vote against it, that's what we'll do. The Coromandel and Thames are very wary of that. This may be efficient, but they believe it would also be unfair. This eastern Waikato unitary council by the way, this idea has deep roots. Back in 2012 Coromandel and Hauraki residents gathered more than 1,500 signatures calling for just that, a council that represented Hauraki and Coromandel, keeping the decision making local. And such a model would return regional rates and jobs and environmental management to the communities they actually affect rather than happening in Hamilton, and ensure representatives live with the consequences of their decision. Thames Coromandel councillors will be discussing this on May 26th. Here's the thing though, have they asked their ratepayers? No they have not, because the government said you've got three months to do this, it's 10 weeks away, you've got to do it, just do it. They don't have the time to consult. Nobody does up and down the country. And this is happening up and down the country. In the Wairarapa, Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa are considering a combined rural unitary council because they don't want to be ruled by Wellington. In Taranaki, iwi and local mayors support splitting the region into two unitary councils that represent the natural north south and urban rural division. Hāwera does not want to be ruled by New Plymouth. Waitomo and Otorohanga are developing a King Country unitary proposal because they don't want to be run by Hamilton. And in the South Island, Selwyn's mayor also wants to protect Selwyn's identity because there they're talking about the Canterbury councils merging into a Greater Christchurch super city and they are not sure they want that. The mayor, Lydia, says it's an incredibly short timeframe, we can't consult with our ratepayers but we need to make sure we make the right decision. And they're not happy about it. Waimakariri and Selwyn ratepayers have expressed reservations of being ruled by Christchurch. And this is a real fear up and down the country. The move to rationalise local government could see the big cities and towns grabbing all the power and money. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Put on your finest whites and be sure not to dribble down your fronts, because we're coming to you live from the last Filene's in America to talk about all the nonsense you didn't know you needed to hear.   In this silly Just Segs, we're squealing about our newfound love for small dogs, doing general bean stuff, reading an innovative listener Business Someone Should Start, Just Not Us, sharing some overheard Sentences That Shouldn't Need to Be Said, and biting into a steamy Pizza Secret from a listener legacy.  Resources  Visit our website: weirdsofafeather.com  Follow us on TikTok: @weirdsofafeather Watch full-length episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@weirdsofafeather Join our Reddit community: reddit.com/r/WeirdsofaFeather/ Find us on Instagram: @weirdsofafeather  Become a Patreon member for bonus content: patreon.com/weirdsofafeather

A Wellington amalgamation could potentially go wider than expected to the Kāpiti Coast, Wairarapa and Horowhenua after a mayoral meeting last Friday disclosed by the Wellington City Mayor on the show today. Nick chats to Kāpiti Mayor Janet Holborow, who is on her way back from a meeting with Horowhenua Mayor Wanden. Mayor Holborow shares how talks have been going with the other councils and if this merger could be a reality. The logistics of a Wellington wide one appear to be disadvantageous at this point to Kāpiti, but they are open to conversations that could prove otherwise. Could the amalgamation just be between Horowhenua and Kapiti? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Amalgamation could grow into eight councils instead of the previously expected "tight" four. Nick speaks to Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, who is very strongly for the amalgamation. Mayor Baker shares her preferences for amalgmation and addresses concerns that Porirua rates are among the highest in the country. She says people are hesitant as jobs may go, but she "doesn't care" if her job goes if it means amalgamation for the betterment of the city. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The RMA Minister says councils have already signalled they'd like to join forces with neighbours. The Government's announced a fast-track amalgamation process, asking councils to submit proposals for merging with neighbours to form unitary authorities. They have three months to submit a rough plan. Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking there's quite a lot of momentum behind it already. He says they've had quite a lot of councillors, mayors, and people on local government land express interest in getting on with it and amalgamating, so they're giving them the opportunity. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Tuam camogie announced that they have now fully amalgamated with Tuam Stars GAA club and will be officially called Tuam Stars camogie. This Sunday (15th March 2026), their under-16 side, managed by Neville Garvey, will head to Kinvara for their first game since the announcement. Tuam Stars camogie chairperson Derek Hayes and treasurer Eamon Doyle joined Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly on 'Saturday Sport' to chat about the announcement, and camogie in Tuam and the surrounding areas. == Pictured (l-r) Brian Mannion, Eamon Doyle, Julia Adeyeye and Paul Collins

The province will accelerate access to the Ring of Fire, a potential hub for mining critical minerals like nickel and chromite. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the plans, and how the provinces are laying the groundwork for a national energy grid. Does Niagara Region have too many politicians? Doug Ford certainly seems to think so. Steve and John Michael discuss the pros and cons of amalgamation - and how Peel serves as a case study. You've been asking us about municipal politics, so Steve and JMM speak to Toronto City councillor Amber Morley about what it takes to run and the surprises awaiting those who make it to city council. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-to-remember-giorgio-mammoliti JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-would-a-bigger-convention-centre-just-be-a-bigger-waste-of-moneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh and Mike'l have a conversation about the Nebraska/Iowa basketball rivalry.

Audiobook.  Mature listeners only (18+).

Eddie is back in NoHo park with his trusted sidekick Kevin. His back is still healing but you won't notice any reduction of power or genus on this podcast. We talk rollerskating, war, puppies, and everthing you've come to expect from the worlds greatest podcast, Enjoy! This summer wardrobe awaits! Get 20% off @ Chubbies with code EDDIE at https://www.chubbiesshorts.com/EDDIE Go to www.eddiepepitone.com for show dates and all things Eddie Check out our full videos on YouTube: https://shorturl.at/mpsIL For additional content support Eddie on Patreon: www.patreon.com/eddiepepitone Please write us a review on iTunes https://tinyurl.com/mv57us2d Watch The Bitter Buddha the documentary by Steven Fienartz about Eddie. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-bitter-buddha Send emails to: EddiePepPodcast@gmail.com Follow Eddie on Twitter: @EddiePepitone Instagram: @EddiePep Follow Kevin @KevinTienken Thank you to Allen Mezquida for our beautiful artwork

Hawk and Maxx rave about The Last Showgirl, Sauce's spelling gets put to the test, Hawk mistakes a Timberwolf for another wolf

Hawk and Maxx rave about The Last Showgirl, Sauce's spelling gets put to the test, Hawk mistakes a Timberwolf for another wolf