Podcasts about local councils

Councils around the country are re-assessing how they manage the natural hazards facing their communities, after an independent report found the six deaths in the February Mount Maunganui landslide were preventable. Selwyn District Council chief executive Steve Gibling spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Aimie Hines and Andrew Clay. First up, Auckland Council has decided to ditch postal voting for its next election in 2028,in favour of booths. Councillor Julie Fairey explains why. Then, cost cutting at ACC has lead to 7,000 New Zealanders losing their cover in the last year. Lawyer and ACC researcher Warren Forster says the real-life impacts of that are heartbreaking. And does New Zealand have enough mobility carparks? Disability advocate Raewyn Hailes says the numbers are way off. Finally, one Wellingtonian is taking job hunting tactics to a new level. For days, he's been walking through the city with a placard reading 'enthusiastic person looking for a job,' followed by his contact details.

Councils around the country are looking to follow Auckland in scrapping postal voting for local elections. Auckland councillors have voted to bring back in-person voting for the 2028 local elections, becoming the first council to use polling booths since 1992. Local Government New Zealand wants that change rolled out nationwide. South Wairarapa mayor and Chair of LGNZ's Local Government System Reference Group Dame Fran Wilde spoke to John Campbell.

Ratepayers will be the losers of the Government's stilted approach to council amalgamations, says the Southland mayor who was the architect of a separate process that started 18 months ago. 

Some mayors and councils have been left frustrated and annoyed after the government pulled the handbrake on its local government reforms out of the blue. Councils were given three months to present their proposals for regional amalgamation or the government threatened to do it for them. But the government has now revealed it won't make any decisions on final plans until after the election. Local Government Minister Simon Watts spoke to Lisa Owen.

Earlier this year the government gave councils a three month deadline to submit plans to simplify and reform, or it would make plans for them. But that's changed, with the local government minister deferring decisions until after the election. Ellen O'Dwyer reports.

A number of mayors have expressed their deep frustrations in the government's plans to amalgamate councils, only to have the process delayed. Porirua City Mayor Anita Baker spoke to John Campbell.

Dannevirke residents are demanding accountability over the state of healthcare in Tararua, echoing calls from other towns in the region. Around 200 locals attended a meeting at the Dannevirke Town Hall last night. Health New Zealand has put a temporary halt on Dannevirke Community Hospital taking new patients while it finds more clinical staff, following a number of resignations. Maori News Journalist Pokere Paewai was at the meeting and spoke to John Campbell.

Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and artist and local Government politician Oscar Kightley joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Local Government Minister Simon Watts sparked some outrage today when he announced amalgamation plans for local councils would be put on hold - after the councils were given a three-month deadline to get these done. Are local councils right to be annoyed about this, given the costs? Fonterra's former CEO, Miles Hurrell, got paid $8.16 million in his final year in the role. Is this fair, given the nature of the job? Winston Peters has pledged to cut down the tax rate for small and medium-sized businesses to boost productivity. Do we think this is a good idea - or will this get scrapped in coalition talks? Is there really enough money to fund Labour's plans for schools, hospitals and social housing? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liphook and Bramshott are joint winners of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Village Of The Year competition and runner up for Best Community Event, for their annual Carnival. Deputy Parish Clerk Geraldine Sheedy and Councillor Samuel Hawkins attended the awards, organised by the Hampshire Association for Local Councils last Wednesday, they spoke to Mark Simpson about the process and the excitement on the night. Sam also looked ahead to this year's Carnival on Saturday 24th October.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Citizens Advice Bureau is reporting higher levels of need from the communities they serve - from people seeking job hunting support, to others asking for help to find a place to stay. But the organisation says the resourcing it has to continue the work is under pressure. Kerry Dalton is the chief executive of the Citizens Advice Bureau and spoke to John Campbell.

A protest is being planned tomorrow in the Northland town of Dargaville over council plans to demolish its local town hall. The Northern Wairoa War Memorial Hall which was built in 1953 is lined up for the wrecking ball this month.Over the years, the building has hosted balls, funerals, markets, fashion shows and even Selwyn Toogood hosting It's in the Bag. Dargaville Ratepayers and Residents Association chair Gordon Walker spoke to John Campbell.

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver unpack the Scottish Government's local government proposal that could see Scotland's 32 councils reduced to just 6... Professor Michael Keating joins the show to discuss the convoluted history of local government reform in Scotland and what changes now could mean for you.Following his election win over Joe Fagan, will Michael Marra lead Scottish Labour to electoral success, or is his political fate tied to Westminster?And Geoff Aberdein recounts his meeting with King Charles in Aberdeen this week... he explores a stark contrast between green energy ambitions, North Sea job losses, and political double-speak on domestic energy vs. imports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for Mayoral minutes .. where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing ... how they're working to solve them... and what makes their community special. Today we're heading to Whangarei in Northland from where Mayor Ken Couper chats to Jesse.

Woody debris is washing down from forestry blocks in rain and covering many beaches on Tairawhiti's East Coast. Diggers have to be used to clear central city beaches of the stuff. Gisborne District Council has commissioned an independent review into its consenting and monitoring processes. In May, Minister for Regulation David Seymour wrote to the Gisborne District Council, imploring it to effectively think twice before deploying "blunt force" tools like enforcement orders under the RMA. Since the the government has appointed facilitator, Doug Leeder to advise on the situation. Doug Leeder spoke to Lisa Owen.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Chris Clarke and Sarah Sparks. First up, today, Labour and National have both made pitches to the nation about how they plan to bring supermarket prices down. Otago University senior lecturer in marketing, Rob Hamlin, gives his assessment. Then, Devonport residents are taking legal action against the government on a set of eight-storey apartments that have been approved for fast-track. And, are school-issued apps required on parents' phones all getting a bit much? Katrina Colombie thinks so. She's the managing director of Smartphone Free Childhood Aotearoa New Zealand. Finally, a one-armed mannequin is stealing the show at a South Taranaki Museum exhibition on the history of healthcare in the region.

From Australia Ingrid is on fire today because of very positive Local Council meeting about protecting farmers and farmland. One final note is Australia has a massive unsold wine inventory and vineyards worth 2 years of wine production have just been destroyed. Across the Pond Sept 15, 2026.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Kathryn Graham and Phil O'Reilly. First up, damning new inquiry finds authorities could have prevented Tom Phillips from disappearing with his children - or brought them home sooner. Auckland University law professor Carrie Leonetti joins the show. Then, a new ACT Party policy would see a minimum wage freeze, and a lower training wage for workers under the age of 20. E Tū union national secretary Rachel Mackintosh shares her reaction. And in Christchurch, the council is planning to cut down some trees as part of a long-awaited street upgrade for Papanui. But those trees are considered by some, including local RSA president Symon Dynes, to be living memorials of World War II soldiers. Finally hopping on the bus in Hawke's Bay will be a little bit different this week, as drivers and display boards get behind Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori. Hawke's Bay Regional Council public transport committee chair Neil Kirton explains.

After years of suspense, Auckland's City Rail Link is finally opening on Sunday morning. Former Auckland Mayor Len Brown was one of the infrastructure project's progenitors, with his lobbying for central government support one of the dominoes that had to fall before Auckland could cut the ribbon on its shiniest new toy. Brown joined Emile on the show to discuss his legacy, as written in train lines.

Chris Bishop responds to fast-track pushback from councils; Lifeline boss responds to mental health services review; Lifeline boss responds to mental health services review; Mandy Molloy on police apology over daughter Rachel's death; Deva Mahal discusses Silver Scroll nomination

It's time for Mayoral minutes, where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing, how they're working to solve them and what makes their community special. Today we're heading to the Horowhenua Mayor District. Susana spoke to Mayor Bernie Wanden.

A parking trial by Maungakiekie-Tamaki Local Board has doubled Onehunga parking limits to an hour, and some surrounding streets to two hours. As a result, the number of infringements has dropped significantly. Jitu Patel, owner of Onehunga Books and Stationery spoke to John Campbell.

The Kapiti District Council approved the $16.2 million construction budget for the Otaki pool complex at a meeting last week. As well as a manu pool, the three-metre deep pool will also be used for water safety training, diving lessons, and aquatic exercise classes, as well as waka ama. Otaki Pools manager Shelley Ashton joins us now.

Crucial warnings that Wellington's Moa Point could catastrophically flood were missed, according to an Independent Crown Review into the February disaster. 14 billion litres of raw sewage has since spewed into the sea off the city's South Coast as a result of the plant failure. The review, released today, points to systemic failures in leadership by the city council, Wellington Water and plant operator Veolia as contributing to the meltdown. Reporter Ellen O'Dwyer spoke to Melissa Chan-Green. 

Hundreds of seagulls are plaguing a northern Auckland district, leaving business owners at their wit's end. The birds are damaging roofs, while their excrement blocks drains and contaminates water in Dairy Flat - well away from the nearest beach. Locals are stumped about how they can solve a problem no one is taking responsibility for. Evie Richardson reports.

World Vision on the Nepal search and rescue operation; Far North Council pledges action on dangerous dogs; Peter Hillary on the Nepal flooding disaster; South Island ski fields on high alert for avalanches; Brass bands have a blast at regional champs.

The number of dogs in Far North classified as "dangerous" - dogs that have attacked, injured, or seriously threatened people or animals - has climbed from 1 to 6 over the same time period. Leonie Exel, a co-ordinator at lobby group Bay of Islands Watchdogs, says the group has been calling for better public education from the council for years - rather than just enforcement. Far North District Council group manager of delivery and operations Hilary Sumpter spoke to John Campbell.

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Mayoral minutes is where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing ... how they're working to solve them... and what makes their community special. This week we're heading to the Ruapehu District ... that's in the central north island ... from there Mayor Weston Kirton joins Jesse.

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Tauranga councillors had a detailed report showing there was a high risk people could die if their local campground got hit by a landslide but no one read the report. The council says that despite the report being in an August 2025 council agenda, it was not read and the meeting never happened. Five months after the meeting was cancelled six people were killed in a landslide. Waikato/Bay of Plenty reporter Rachel Moore has more.

Waimakariri mayor is pleased the govenrment has declined a major fast-track housing development in his region. In May, housing developer Wolfbrook announced it had bought the former Pegasus golf course and sports club, 25 km north of Christchurch, with the aim of rezoning it to build a 1000-home residential and commerical development. The fast-track application drew significant community opposition, with locals gathering more than 16,000 signatures for a petition to Parliament. It's one of many fast-track housing developments across the country which has caused community backlash. Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon spoke to John Campbell.

Should Takapuna Golf Course be a flood storage wetland, and how should Auckland manage feral cats? With fewer than a third of Aucklanders voting in the 2022 and 2025 local elections, Auckland Council has been holding 'citizen juries' to ask residents how they'd solve the challenging issues facing the region. Jessica Hopkins reports.

This was not a hazard that was unknown hidden or beyond the reach of foresite as for more than two decades one geo tech consultant after another indentified the land side hazard at the camp ground. Those conclusions from the author of a report into the fatal Mount Maunganui landslide. Retired High Court judge, Paul Davison K-C has found the tragedy was preventable. Chief executive of Tauranga City Council Marty Grenfell spoke to Lisa Owen. 

The mayor of Gisborne has met with the Forestry minister after he appointed a facilitator to "reset the relationship between the local council and forestry sector. The government is worried the Council is scaring off investors with its tough approach to dealing with woody debris and sediment. Mayor Rehette Stoltz spoke to Lisa Owen.

Emergency management in Christchurch is preparing for wildfires, 'spiky' temperatures and weather whiplash when El Nino peaks this summer. It usually means wetter conditions in the south-west of the South Island - and drier, windier conditions for other parts of the country, especially the east coast. Wildfires are a particular concern with emergency teams meeting today to discuss preparation. Christchurch City Council regional parks manager, Paul Devlin spoke to Lisa Owen.

Mount Maunganui locals are voicing their frustrations with the Tauranga City Council after an independent review revealed the depth of the organisation's disfunction, which resulted in a litany of failures in the lead up to January's deadly landslide. Michael O'Neill, who is the President of the Mount Maunganui Ratepayers, Residents and Retailers Association spoke to John Campbell.

The repeated failure of Tauranga City Council to act on more than over two decades of warnings about the risk of a landslide hitting the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park have been laid bare in a devastating independent review.

Each week we chat to a mayor about the challenges the face and what's great about their district. Today Jesse is joined by Phil Nixon, Mayor of South Taranaki. [picture id="4KA8EUY_shared_image_12_jfif" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

After three days, Ohakune residents have been told their water will be gradually restored but it's not yet confirmed safe to drink. The Ruapehu District Council has put out an update that said a boil water notice remains in place. Residents are also being asked to conserve water as the reservoir recharges. It had fallen to 12 percent on Saturday. Remi Butler, manager of The Peaks Motor Inn spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

New Zealand still doesn't know how it's going to pay to adapt to climate change, and any action taken to deal with hazards is poorly co-ordinated, that's according to the latest report from the Climate Change Commission. The Commission is urgently calling for action from Ministers. Local councils are among those asking for clearer guidance on funding, as they grapple with increasingly frequent extreme weather events. Deon Swiggs is the Chair of Environment Canterbury and is on the National Council of Local Government New Zealand. He spoke with Ingrid Hipkiss.

It's time for Mayoral minutes .. where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing ... how they're working to solve them... and what makes their community special. Today we're heading to the Rangitikei District, located in the Manawatu-Whanganui region of the North Island, you'll find the towns of Marton, Bulls and Taihape there. Mayor Andy Watson joins Jesse. [picture id="4L8YZRA_Ohakea_Andy_Watson_JPG" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Sunday marks the deadline for District councils to submit their proposals to amalgamate with at least one other nearby authority. Council's across the country have been meeting to finalise their proposals or face the process being dictated to them by central government. Bill Hickman has more.

The Stratford District Council has voted unanimously to pursue amalgamation with the South Taranaki District Council as part of local government reforms, at the expense of a wider union with the New Plymouth District Council. RNZ Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin was at the Stratford meeting.

Taupo's mayor is pushing back against joining a Western Waikato council merger, which he's describing as a hostile takeover. Taupo District Council has decided not to submit any preferred amalgamation proposal and says the Western Waikato merger would result in ballooning debt for the region. Councils have until Sunday to present their merger proposals to the government. Mayor John Funnell spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni; Thomas Maharaj discusses current employment market; Age Concern's Greta Bond discusses energy affordability; Taupo's mayor describes council merger as hostile takeover; Best pie winner discusses bacon and egg success

Ridiculous, unreasonable, confusing and stressful. Those are just some of the words Wellington region residents are using to describe bills from new water entity Tiaki Wai. RNZ has seen charges ranging from $300 to $1000 for the first three months of the financial year. Tiaki Wai says it's the first time people are seeing water costs broken out separately from their rates, but others are questioning how the bills are calculated and if payment arrangements are being fairly organised. Wellington Issues reporter Ellen O'Dwyer has more.

The Rotorua Business Chamber at the centre of comments the Prime Minister has now apologised for says it hopes there's some genuine reflection behind the apology. Lillian Hanly reports.

Visitors at the popular marine reserve at Te Hawere-a-Maki/Goat Island in the north of Auckland could be made to pay for parking, as early as this summer. DOC's Auckland Operations Director Alex Rogers spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.