The future of Māori wards

Source

Korero

Author – Jack Karetai-Barrett

Māori wards in New Zealand have been a big topic in local government, especially when it comes to fair representation and Te Tiriti obligations.

These wards give Māori a dedicated voice in decision-making, similar to Māori electorates in Parliament. But their introduction has been controversial, with laws . . . → Read More: The future of Māori wards

Coastlands Art Project launches this weekend

Apr 2, 2025 The Enhance Coastlands Art Project saw 19 power boxes painted by artists, including up-and-coming names, school students and art class participants. . . . → Read More: Coastlands Art Project launches this weekend

What has Christchurch done right to get so many people on bikes?

Source

Yes, it’s flat, but there’s another crucial reason why so many Christchurch residents ride – the city’s extensive network of cycle lanes.

Simon Kingham’s 9km commute, from Beckenham in south Christchurch to the University of Canterbury west of the CBD, is mostly on cycle lanes. “It’s only the first 400 metres on the . . . → Read More: What has Christchurch done right to get so many people on bikes?

Letter: How times have changed

Mar 21, 2025 If you hear a bigot attacking diversity, equity and inclusion, ask them what it is they are against. Is it diversity, is it equality, or is it inclusion? And then ask them to tell you what they have against any of these things. I promise you it’s a conversation that will bring a smile to your face. . . . → Read More: Letter: How times have changed

Explained: Why are speed limit changes costing over $8 million?

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Here’s a classic example of Wellington telling local councils what to do but not funding it. Auckland ratepayers will have to fund $4 million because of the National led coalition government’s deal with the minority ACT Party to remove Safer Speeds from around schools. With rates rises reaching eye watering levels as a result . . . → Read More: Explained: Why are speed limit changes costing over $8 million?

Shake-up of council infrastructure funding announced

There are a few big reasons I want to be involved in the local body election campaign, and I haven’t looked past the campaign itself really. There’s so much silly talk being talked, especially in Whakatane with the kind of nonsense being floated. I’ll go into those in greater detail as the campaign proper . . . → Read More: Shake-up of council infrastructure funding announced

Local Government Minister Simon Watts tells local governments to ask for help if needed

Source It’s time for councils to have a respectful and mature conversation with central government about underfunding and undermining local democracy. Expect a call, Minister.

New Local Government Minister Simon Watts. Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro

New Local Government minister Simon Watts announced to councils across the country today to speak up if . . . → Read More: Local Government Minister Simon Watts tells local governments to ask for help if needed

Minister pulls brakes on cycling and walking initiatives

Source

Simeon Brown MP

Simeon Brown Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The new government’s Transport Minister has pulled the brakes on dozens of council projects designed to encourage cycling, walking and use of public transport across the country, sparking confusion in local authority ranks and fury amongst cycling advocates.

In a letter . . . → Read More: Minister pulls brakes on cycling and walking initiatives

Ko Wai Koe?

Feb 21, 2025 Thank you for putting your name forward to lead our community, Dave. Thanks, regardless of the outcome of the election, I will still lead in the same way I always have, by speaking truth to power. That can be in a council chamber, a letter to the editor, or on a roundabout. . . . → Read More: Ko Wai Koe?

Hikoi for Health

Feb 19, 2025 Councillor Tánczos said the hikoi was “fantastic”. “The community turned out in force to express their concern and anger. I think we sent a powerful message to Te Whatu Ora and the Government.” He said the Hikoi for Health Coalition would be sending a list of six demands to Health NZ Te Whatu Ora and the Minister of Health this week. “It’s important for a community like ours to stand up and have a voice for these kinds of things.” . . . → Read More: Hikoi for Health