Biggest local govt shake-up in a generation looms

Biggest local govt shake-up in a generation looms
Local government minister Nanaia Mahuta wants to take a long term look at councils.
Pattrick Smellie
The government is adding a fundamental overhaul of local government to its growing list of major reforms.With the sector already subject to reform of the Resource Management Act, the so-called ‘three waters’ – drinking, waste and stormwater – and major new policy development to combat climate change, local government minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced the appointment of a five-person review panel to examine local government roles and funding.Potentially the largest shake-up of the sector since reforms in 1989 under t...

More Policy

Govt proposes major council overhaul
Policy

Govt proposes major council overhaul

Regional councillors to be deposed, mayors empowered, and amalgamation put on the table.

Thomas Manch 25 Nov 2025
FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform
Policy

FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform

Economist Peter Wilson says the Government's FIF changes need to go further.

Dileepa Fonseka 25 Nov 2025
Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income
Policy

Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income

Struan Little says it’s not a question of whether we should tax capital, but how.

Dileepa Fonseka 21 Nov 2025
The back-to-front ferry deal
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: The back-to-front ferry deal

Will the wharves be ready when the new ferries arrive?

Pattrick Smellie 20 Nov 2025