Time to show local government the ‘rabbit’

Time to show local government the ‘rabbit’
The heat will be on Nanaia Mahuta and her water reforms during this week's local government annual conference. (Image: Getty)
Pattrick Smellie
The weather forecast for Blenheim over the next two days is as cold as the grave, but the temperature inside the town’s events centre is likely to be toasty for ministers attending the Local Government New Zealand conference there.Local government, against the odds, has become one of the most action-packed areas of policy reform, with a total overhaul of the Resource Management Act gathering steam, a total review of the role of local government in play, and a total reform of water services causing angst.The water services reforms are the...

More Policy

Supply chain inefficiencies stymieing NZ exporters
Policy

Supply chain inefficiencies stymieing NZ exporters

“We are paying 50-60% more to get our freight to India.” 

Stop raising bank capital ratios now, says competition report
Finance

Stop raising bank capital ratios now, says competition report

Select committee recommends an immediate end to increasing capital ratios. 

Pattrick Smellie 22 Aug 2025
US helicopter purchases 'not connected' to tariffs: Peters
Policy

US helicopter purchases 'not connected' to tariffs: Peters

Defence Minister Collins said the Government looked at "all available options".

Gregor Thompson 21 Aug 2025
Port of Auckland gets first fast-track approvals
Policy

Port of Auckland gets first fast-track approvals

The port is undertaking wharf expansions to make it big ship capable. 

Oliver Lewis 21 Aug 2025