Local Government News
Media releases should be sent to news@localgovt.co.nz
Mayor issues bike challenge to Franklin The race is on again for the coveted title of New Zealand’s Most Cycle Mad District. (Franklin District Council, 09 February 2010)
Dog who attacked Gisborne woman destroyed A Gisborne woman who spent a week in hospital after being attacked by a neighbour's dog has welcomed the decision to have the dog destroyed. (Gisborne District Council, 09 February 2010)
Alexandra St works to start March 8 As part of the wider Heart of Te Awamutu project, Alexandra Street enhancement works will get underway on March 8. (Waipa District Council, 09 February 2010)
Racers to face $1000 fines Boy racers repeatedly caught "cruising" Christchurch's main streets could be fined up to $1000 under a New Zealand-first bylaw that could be enforced within months. (The Press, 09 February 2010)
Don't split Manukau Manukau's city centre will be ripped in half by planned supercity ward boundaries and businesses say they fear for their futures if that happens. (Manukau Courier, 09 February 2010)
War against tagging gets results Len BrownA concerted effort to get rid of graffiti in Manukau City has paid off with a significant drop in the incidence of tagging. (New Zealand Herald, 09 February 2010)
New bridge designs divide public opinion Concept designs for an iconic bridge across the Hatea River have met with a mixed reaction from Whangarei residents. (Western Leader, 09 February 2010)
Aerial spray aims to kill willow trees Around 23 hectares will be sprayed in an effort to knock back invasive crack willow trees in the Te Henga wetlands. (Western Leader, 09 February 2010)
Farms keen to use sludge from plant Two Central Otago landowners are starting to apply for resource consent to use sewage sludge on their farms in response to the Queenstown Lakes District Council seeking expressions of interest from those keen to use sludge from Wanaka's Project Pure waste water treatment plant. (Otago Daily Times, 09 February 2010)
Northern group wants to opt out of super city Rodney Mayor Penny Webster is backing petitioners who want the northern part of the district kept out of the new Auckland super city. (NZPA, 08 February 2010)
Aquaculture reform progressing Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley today acknowledged the quality of submissions received on the report of the Aquaculture Technical Advisory Group and said the government’s programme of legislative reform for the sector was progressing well. (Ministry of Fisheries, 08 February 2010)
Millions saved: rates rise cut About $2.2 million has been slashed from Hamilton City Council's annual budget to pave the way for a lower-than-predicted rate rise. (Waikato Times, 08 February 2010)
Mackenzie Country issues far bigger than cubicle farming The fact that the Minister for the Environment decided to call-in the 3 controversial cubicle farming proposals in the Mackenzie basin is a great start but much more needs to be done to address the huge problems facing the area. (Enviromental Defence Society, 08 February 2010)
Nominations sought for Maori Reference Groups Positive steps are being taken to introduce new mechanisms to improve communications and lift Maori involvement in local government in the Far North. (PDF, Far North District Council, 08 February 2010)
Berms given go ahead for Homebush urban waste water upgrade – review of discharges next stage Masterton District Council has been told it can go ahead with the construction of border strip irrigation levee as part of the multi-million dollar urban waste water upgrade at Homebush. (PDF, Masterton District Council, 08 February 2010)
Possum control operations on Banks Peninsula Possum control operations resume on Banks Peninsula in mid February; the latest phase in Environment Canterbury's organised ground control programme focusing on 11,000 hectares in the Akaroa Harbour basin. (Environment Canterbury, 08 February 2010)
Real growth in Hamilton bus passenger numbers Latest figures show significant annual growth in Hamilton bus passenger numbers is continuing even though few new services have come on stream in the past year. (Environment Waikato Regional Council, 08 February 2010)
Chief Executive explains council finances: It is all a matter of public record Wanganui District Council Chief Executive Kevin Ross today said that council finances are not “hidden” and remain a matter of public and published record. (Wanganui District Council,08 February)
Waikato road toll bucks national trend in 2009 The multi-agency Regional Transport Committee says it is encouraging that the Waikato region’s road toll dropped by seven to 67 last year, as driver education, improved roads and firmer policing all helped rein in the number of fatal crashes. (Environment Waikato Regional Council, 08 February 2010)
Crackdown on wandering dogs Farmers and farm staff have been put on notice that the Ashburton District Council is about to take a tough line with owners of roaming farm dogs. (Ashburton Guardian, 08 February 2010)
Council to consider ways of trimming 6% rates rise The Waitaki District Council is about to start the process of setting its rates, considering how to cut back a predicted 6% rates increase for the next financial year. (Otago Daily Times, 08 February 2010)
Consents at risk after illegal dumping A Christchurch waste-collection company charged with alleged illegal dumping may have its trade-waste discharge consents revoked. (The Press, 08 February 2010)
Council proposes increase for rates Greater Wellington regional council is proposing a 2.2 per cent rate increase for the 2010-11 rates year. (The Dominion Post, 08 February 2010)
City's cultural heart taking shape With Aotea Square's makeover due to be completed this year, Q Theatre in development and further upgrades and initiatives imminent, Aotea Quarter, the city's civic core and cultural heart, is coming into its own. (Auckland City Council, 08 February 2010)
Rodney Mayor supports petitioners move to be left out of super city Rodney mayor Penny Webster says she is fully behind the moves of the Northern Action Group (NAG) who will present a petition to Parliament this week – signed by more than 6000 people in the region – to be left out of the new Auckland Council. (Rodney District Council, 08 February 2010)
Philippine automated vote system 'almost perfect': officials The Philippines' controversial new automated voting system passed its test in a mock election Saturday, despite press reports of minor glitches, an elections commission official said. (AFP, 07 February 2010)
Takapuneke Historic Reserve created A blessing ceremony was held today to celebrate the creation of the new Takapuneke Historic Reserve in Akaroa. (Christchurch City Council, 06 February 2010)
Possible harbour heritage listings Oamaru Harbour's heritage may get greater protection, with the Waitaki District Council considering whether to list 14 important items in its district plan. (Otago Daily Times, 06 February 2010)
Sewage leak closes beach a second time The beach at Wellington's Owhiro Bay has been closed for the second time this summer as council staff search for the source of a raw sewage leak. (The Dominion Post, 06 February 2010)
Great educational day out at Lake Wainono OPINION: Last Saturday the combined efforts of Environment Canterbury, Fish and Game, Department of Conservation, Canterbury Biodiversity and local people provided an excellent appraisal of the wetland we know as Lake Wainono. (The Timaru Herald, 06 February 2010)
David and Goliath The Wellsford Community Group’s action committee, elected at the public meeting in September last year, to redress the wrongs of being forced to join the Auckland Supercity, have not been idle. (PDF, Wellsford Community Group, 06 February 2010)
Field 'amazingly relaxed, excited about future' Queenstown Lakes District Council chief executive Duncan Field is hanging up his suit and hitting the road, fishing rod in tow. (The Southland Times, 06 February 2010)
Rocks replaced to repair sea wall Work to restore the deteriorating 100m-long section of sea wall near Kitchener St, in Dunedin's harbour basin. began last week. (Otago Daily Times, 06 February 2010)
Council vigilant over irrigation in dry Otago region Otago Regional Council is warning it will take action if it finds evidence of landowners irrigating illegally. (Radio New Zealand, 05 February 2010)
Taieri lifestyle block owners invited to shelter and biodiversity field day Shelterbelts, biodiversity and native planting options along with managing Otago Regional Council (ORC) drains will be discussed on the Taieri on Saturday 20 February. (Otago Regional Council, 05 February 2010)
Council Backs Capital Connection Tararua has backed the Capital Connection commuter train adding its voice to a groundswell of concern that the service will be lost. (Tararua District Council, 05 February 2010)
Regional Velodrome Proposal Draws 'Qualified' Support Tararua would support a world class velodrome proposed for Palmerston North but has backed away from making a financial commitment. (Tararua District Council, 05 February 2010)
Earthquake Survivors Afternoon Tea There has been a good response from survivors of the 1931 Hawke’s Bay Earthquake who have been invited to a special afternoon tea commemoration on Sunday 14 February. (Hawke's Bay Regional Council, 05 February 2010)
Many Otago rivers breaching minimum flows The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is encouraging irrigators to carefully manage what water is still available as levels drop. This follows the temporary introduction of strict water controls in late December. (Otago Regional Council, 05 February 2010)Initiatives necessary to keep rivers clean A collaborative effort is needed to counter the huge problem of trees, debris and other rubbish that clogs the district's rivers after flooding, says Gisborne District Council rivers and drainage assets manager Jurgen Komp. (The Gisborne Herald, 05 February 2010)
Marine farm progress Moves to make sure all marine farms meet expected lighting standards were yesterday welcomed by Marlborough district councillors. (The Marlborough Express, 05 February 2010)
Go-ahead given to raise river stopbank A decision to increase the height of the stopbank of the Wairau River to prevent flooding at a cost of $30,000 has been approved by the Marlborough District Council. (The Marlborough Express, 05 February 2010)
Owhiro Bay beach closed again by pollution Pollution-warning signs are again being erected on and around Owhiro Bay beach today following the detection of possible sewage contamination in the waters of the bay. (Wellington City Council, 05 February 2010)
Rural water supplies could be devolved The Mackenzie Country's rural communities may soon have more say in managing their water supplies. (The Timaru Herald, 05 February 2010)
Gore looks at two-bin system for rubbish Gore and Mataura residents will get an extra $161.05 dumped on to their rates if the Gore District Council goes ahead with changes to the way the town's rubbish is collected. (The Southland Times, 05 February 2010)
ECan quiet on status of key report Environment Canterbury (ECan) is refusing to say if it has received a report crucial to its future. (The Press, 05 February 2010)
Council HQ costs cut The revamped Shore council headquarters could become one of four major service centres under the supercity. (North Shore Times, 05 February 2010)
Water for dairy project sought The Environment Canterbury hearings process to decide on crucial water for 16 new dairy farms in the Omarama and Ohau areas will continue, despite the Government calling in effluent resource consent applications and handing them to a board of inquiry to consider. (Otago Daily Times, 05 February 2010)
Council plans internet tool for travellers The Queenstown Lakes District Council wants to improve transport options for travellers through a route-planning internet tool. (Otago Daily Times, 05 February 2010)
Hydrology report examines pine-to-pasture flood risk Future pine-to-pasture conversions in the Upper Waikato River catchment between Taupo and Karapiro could generally increase the risk of localised flooding of streams feeding the upper river. (Environment Waikato Reginal Council, 05 February 2010)
Many Otago rivers breaching minimum flows The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is encouraging irrigators to carefully manage what water is still available as levels drop. This follows the temporary introduction of strict water controls in late December. (Otago Regional Council, 05 February 2010)
Otago DHB Decision On Merger The Otago District Health Board has unanimously voted in favour of merging to create a single DHB across the Otago Southland region and will now forward its recommendation to the Minister of Health for a final decision. (Otago District Health Board, 04 February 2010)
Residents 'abusing' scarce water supply The Lake Hayes community is again facing water shortages as a handful of residents continue to abuse the resource. (The Southland Times, 04 February 2010)
New approach sought with open source desktops Horizons Regional Council "would be remiss not to investigate alternatives" to Microsoft on the desktop, as it has a responsibility to the ratepayers that fund it to spend their money wisely, says William Gordon, IT team leader at the council. (Computerworld, 04 February 2010)
Fresh take on Hamilton at Public Open Days City residents will get a fresh take on Hamilton this Saturday 6 February as a series of citywide public open days begin for Fast Forward – the Hamilton District Plan Review. (Hamilton City Council, 04 February 2010)
All Black’s garden to promote sustainable design practices All Black halfback Andy Ellis and his mate Danny Kamo are back exhibiting at this year’s Ellerslie International Flower Show but there will be no cricket, beers or barbecue in their garden. (Christchurch City Council, 04 February 2010)
Are you taking advantage of rates rebates? Have you considered seeking assistance with your rates payments through the government-sponsored Rates Rebate scheme? (PDF, Far North District Council, 04 February 2010)
Blue-green algae bloom strikes at Kaitaia A seasonal blue-green algae bloom in Kaitaia’s sewage treatment ponds is compounding drought problems and could pose a risk to the health of both people and stock. (PDF, Far North District Council, 04 February 2010)
New Marine Travel Lift for the Bay of Islands A new 50-tonne specialist marine travel lift has been purchased from the United States and has commenced operations at Ashby's Boatyard in the Bay of Islands. (PDF, Far North District Council, 04 February 2010)
Don't ride with me, Argentine ant They may be hitching a ride in your car, or climbing the trees in your garden ... but whatever Argentine ants are doing, you can be sure of a destructive outcome. (Taranaki Regional Council, 04 February 2010)
Rates defaulters in council’s sights The Waitakere City Council wants to recoup more than $9.175 million in outstanding rates and late payment penalties. (Western Leader, 04 February 2010)
Noise control technology boost Dunedin residents making noise complaints are expected to benefit from new technology following a new company taking up the Dunedin City Council's noise control tender. (Otago Daily Times, 04 February 2010)
District council chief executive farewelled Queenstown Lakes District Council chief executive Duncan Field is leaving the position this week, after more than 12 years in the job. (Radio New Zealand, 04 February 2010)
Waiwhetu Stream cleanup stalls over rising cost of job The future of a project to clean up one of our most polluted streams is in doubt, after councillors stalled on a request for more money. (The Dominion Post, 04 February 2010)
Smokefree outdoor Kāpiti policy a success The simple, if unpleasant, task of counting discarded cigarette butts has clearly shown that the Kāpiti Coast Smokefree Outdoor Public Places Policy is a success, Mayor Jenny Rowan said today. (PDF, Kapiti Coast District Council, 04 Febraury 2010)
EW welcomes flow-on effect of carbon deal for Lake Taupo A pioneering deal involving a farm-to-forestry conversion and the subsequent sale of carbon credits from the forests is being heralded as a major win for the Waikato economy and the environment. (Environment Waikato Regional Council, 04 February 2010)
January tui sightings spark city nesting hopes More than a dozen tui sightings in Hamilton during January are sparking hopes that the birds may be returning to live and nest in the city as a result of Environment Waikato’s Halo project. (Environment Waikato Regional Council, 04 February 2010)
Council seeks consent for poo plan The Queenstown Lakes District Council has applied for resource consent to turn Wanaka's poo into cash. (The Southland Times, 03 February 2010)
Proposed average rate rise decreased from 6.2% to 3.5% The Waimakariri District Council is proposing a budget that will increase rates for an average property of 3.5% for the 2010/11
year commencing 1 July 2010. (PDF, Waimakariri District Council, 03 February 2010)
Lack of water network info angers councillors A lack of information about the state of the water network in Queenstown angered several councillors at a meeting yesterday. (The Southland Times, 03 February 2010)
2010 Cycle Guide Hits Stands Just in time for Bike Wise Month, the Christchurch City Council has launched the new and improved 2010 Christchurch City Cycle Guide. (Christchurch City Council, 03 February 2010)
McPhee eyes Greater Wellington regional council seat A long time critic of the Greater Wellington Regional Council, Gary McPhee, is considering making a bid for office on the regional authority at the the local body elections later this year. (Wairarapa News, 03 February 2010)
Cycleway through Tararuas explored A long-awaited alternative route to the west coast of the North Island could finally become a reality. But it won't be available to motorists. (Wairarapa News, 03 February 2010)
Report requested on wind farm noise Wellington City Council has asked the company behind a new wind farm at Makara to report on noise issues after receiving more than 750 complaints. (Radio New Zealand, 03 February 2010)
Track still closed, options considered The Maungatapu Track remains closed to recreational vehicles, as the Nelson City Council works out how to protect the services that come into the city via that route. (The Nelson Mail, 03 February 2010)
New monitor reveals social trends for Rotorua Rotorua District Council has released a report on key social trends in the local community Social Monitor Rotorua 2009 has been compiled by the council using the latest statistical information from government and other sources. (Rotorua District Council, 03 February 2010)
1931 Earthquake Anniversary Still Has Lessons The day had been fine, during a spell of dry weather. Children had returned to their first day of school, fathers were at work, mothers were doing their daily housekeeping. (Hawke's Bay Regional Council, 03 Febraury 2010)
Farm Effluent Management Caution Hawke’s Bay Regional Council asks that farmers managing stock effluent take extra precautions as the ground is saturated and will be for several days. (Hawke's Bay Regional Council, 03 Febraury 2010)
Pack makes settling in the Hutt easy Settling in a new country is always tough, but with the help of Councils settlement support service, Moera local Editha Pangan has made an easy transition to her new life in Hutt City. (Hutt City Council, 03 February 2010)
Historic bridge to close for repair A 109-year-old bridge in the Queenstown Lakes District will close for three days this month to allow for a $30,000 repair, QLDC network operations manager Ian Marshall said. (Queenstown Lakes District Council, 03 February 2010)
Lake Hayes water conservation requested A sudden increase in water demand on the Lake Hayes Scheme water supply has resulted in the Queenstown Lakes District Council calling on residents connected to the scheme to help conserve water,” QLDC 3 waters operations engineer Martin Ellis said. (Queenstown Lakes District Council, 03 February 2010)
Feasibility supports strong economic benefits The proposed 85.6-kilometre coast-to-coast cycle track from Horeke to the Bay of Islands could return in excess of $25 to $28 million to the local economy in the first five years of operation. (PDF, Far North District Council, 03 February 2010)
Pool education campaign A Manawatu District Council education campaign is currently underway to ensure that the 400 plus privately owned swimming pools in the district are safe and comply with requirements under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act. (Manawatu District Council, 03 February 2010)
ORC backs run-off tool $100,000 for pollution unit urged Graeme Martin A device to help farmers measure pollution in run-off from land is planned and the Otago Regional Council is proposing to put $100,000 towards its development. (Otago Daily Times, 03 February 2010)
Kaimai Catchment Project Commitment The Kaimai catchments will benefit from a community-driven approach to managing its natural resources following the signing of a partnership agreement today by the Department of Conservation, Environment Bay of Plenty and Environment Waikato. (Infonews, 03 February 2010)
Manukau City Council has rejected a proposal to fly a Maori flag at its offices on Waitangi Day. The policy and activities committee met on Tuesday night to discuss the issue for the third time in two years and voted not to fly the flag on civic flagpoles. (Radio New Zealand, 03 February 2010)
Aerial 1080 drop approved for national park A 50,000kg aerial drop of 1080 poisoned bait has been approved for part of Fiordland National Park this winter. (Otago Daily Times, 03 February 2010)
Major infrastructure work planned for Takanini Papakura District Council has announced a major work programme to improve roading and infrastructure in the Takanini area in 2010. (PDF, Papakura District Council, 03 January 2010)
Council Watchdog Calls For Crown Law And Ecan To Release Documents Council Watch officers have petitioned the Crown Solicitor and the CEO of Environment Canterbury for all documentation, notes, and advice pertaining to the recent investigation by the Office of the Auditor General into conflicts of interest by four Canterbury Councillors. (Voxy, 03 February 2010)
Anger as free community website service shuts down The Wellington City Council will stop funding the Wellington Community Network from the end of June as its focus shifts to teaching community groups to set up websites and run them on their own. (The Dominion Post, 03 February 2010)
EW hears community views on 1080 Environment Waikato is to encourage the use of a new 'low-sow' method of applying 1080 that cuts the amount of toxin used to control possums. (Environment Waikato Regional Council, 03 February 2010)
Water pressure delights users Residents of Whakatane west (Poroporo area) are delighted with the boost in water pressure and flow following completion of a water supply system upgrade in the area recently. (PDF, Whakatane District Council, 02 February 2010)
Research papers focus on youth and social needs in Western Southland The social needs of the people and communities within Western Southland was the primary focus of two research projects carried out over the past year. (PDF, Venture Southland, 02 February 2010)
New suburb to put Taupo at leading edge of urban design New garden suburb to put Taupo at the leading edge of urban design (Taupo District Council, 02 February 2010)
River change is not all bad An assessment of the Cardrona River has shown its channel continues to deepen, but that is not necessarily a bad thing, Otago Regional Council chief executive Graeme Martin says. (Otago Daily Times, 02 February 2010)
Decisions released on controversial resource consent applications The Department of Conservation has been granted resource consent for one aerial drop of 1080 poison to control possums in 25,000 hectares of the Waitutu Forest, part of the Fiordland National Park. (Environment Southland, 02 February 2010)
Celebrating a Safer Christchurch This month, the Safer Christchurch Interagency Group, of which the Council is a partner, will be rounding up almost forty organisations throughout the city, in an event to promote Celebrating a Safer Christchurch. (Christchurch City Council, 02 February 2010)
A week of goodness in Auckland's city centre Celebrate the notion of giving and kindness this April during Living Room - an exciting programme of live performance art, film and video works in Auckland's CBD. (Auckland City Council, 02 February 2010)
Open days on Taupo Structure Plan Council officers will be travelling around the district with information on the Taupo Urban Commercial and Industrial Structure Plan before returning to hold a number of open days in Taupo town. (Taupo District Council, 02 February 2010)
Auckland well prepared for Rugby World Cup The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) said today it was well prepared for an influx of tens of thousands of Rugby World Cup visitors. (Auckland Regional Transport Authority, 2 February 2010)
World news at your fingertips PressDisplay online database at Hutt City libraries you can read more than 1400 newspapers from 83 countries in 39 languages, published in their original format and layout, including full text and images. (Hutt City Council, 02 February 2010)
Slow Down in yourneighbourhood! On the 11th of February Ashburton District Road Safety is holding a Speed Stopping demonstration and a Mock Crash on Havelock Street outside St Joseph’s School. (PDF, Ashburton District Council, 02 February 2010)
Call the council, not the neighbours City councils are fielding record numbers of complaints as residents let off steam over the dawn chorus of tui, dodgy pizza, poo-smelling manure and "hideous" new homes. (The Dominion Post, 02 February 2010)
Calls to research toxic sea slugs Research on toxic sea slugs should be funded by the government, says Shore councillor Chris Darby. (North Shore Times, 02 February 2010)
ECan surplus unlikely to hold as bills roll in Environment Canterbury (ECan) has had a good financial start to the year, but its directors are urging caution. (The Timaru Herald, 02 February 2010)
Campbells bay tied into North A move to include Campbells Bay residents in a ward that also contains Orewa is strange, says former mayor George Wood. (North Shore Times, 02 February 2010)
True cost of Queenstown water emerging A significant push to improve the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s knowledge of the aging Queenstown water network had come at a price,” QLDC infrastructure services general manager Mark Kunath said. (Queenstown Lakes District Council, 01 February 2010)
River revelations on Valentine's Day The Waiwhakaiho River will yield some secrets on Valentine's Day - but of the scientific rather then the romantic variety. (Taranaki Regional Council, 01 February 2010)
Te Oka Farm purchase key to Council’s plans to protect biodiversity Protecting the city and peninsula’s indigenous biodiversity is a priority of the Christchurch City Council which is why it purchased the 903-hectare Te Oka Farm in 2009. (Christchurch City Council, 01 February 2010)
Wellington real-time bus info trial delayed again A trial of a Wellington real-time passenger information system has been postponed for a third time. (The Dominion Post, 01 February 2010)
Parking ticket tally tops 70,000 Kevin Thompson Dunedin's parking wardens don't do quotas and don't receive iPods for their efforts - but new figures suggest they don't need them either. (Otago Daily Times, 01 February 2010)
Wellington Airport, Hutt City sign for KorKor radio Wellington International Airport and Hutt City Council have both signed on to use Kordia's digital two-way radio service, KorKor, to replace analogue communications systems. (Computerworld, 01 February 2010)
CityLink vows to put fibre underground Citylink has promised it would bury all the fibre-optic cable it hopes to lay to homes and businesses in Wellington after sources predicted an "aerial battle" over Vector's plans to string cable over power poles in Auckland. (Computerworld, 01 February 2010)
Snorkelling Students Marvel at Marine Biodiversity Primary school students around Wellington are learning firsthand the importance of marine biodiversity thanks to Experiencing Marine Reserves - a programme run by the Wellington Marine Education Centre with funding from Wellington City Council and the Department of Conservation. (Wellington City Council, 01 February 2010)
