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

NZ Green Investment Fund unravels after SolarZero collapse
Policy

NZ Green Investment Fund unravels after SolarZero collapse

At its height, the fund managed more than $470m. Now little remains.

Ian Llewellyn 03 Nov 2025
Labour’s tax plan by the numbers
Policy

Labour’s tax plan by the numbers

Labour has chosen a small target CGT and a popular health target.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Oct 2025
Labour's CGT: 'the moderates have won'
Economy

Labour's CGT: 'the moderates have won'

A 'first step' policy that may not raise much revenue.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Oct 2025
Online gambling receipts balloon amid efforts to regulate sector
Policy

Online gambling receipts balloon amid efforts to regulate sector

Offshore online gambling providers filed $290.3m of GST receipts in six months to July.

Gregor Thompson 28 Oct 2025