SafetyNews Australia - Australia's industrial safety news for decision-makers
Australia

Local Government Stories - Page 22

Global Stories

Local Government stories

Stories from Other Regions

Local Government stories

Call for independent review into Auckland supercity amalgamation
Auckland Council

Call for independent review into Auckland supercity amalgamation

Auckland ratepayers are facing renewed scrutiny of amalgamation as critics say bigger councils bring higher costs, weaker oversight and less local control.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Thu, 16th Mar 2023
LGNZ submits concerns and improvements on three waters reforms
Public Sector

LGNZ submits concerns and improvements on three waters reforms

Councils could face heavier compliance costs and less say over local water services if the current reform model goes ahead, LGNZ says.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Thu, 9th Mar 2023
Reforms do not guarantee a better system
Public Sector

Reforms do not guarantee a better system

Councils could lose influence over local planning as new regional committees shift decisions further from communities and raise funding concerns.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Wed, 8th Mar 2023
Toddler’s death at pond spurs call to do better
Risk & Compliance

Toddler’s death at pond spurs call to do better

WorkSafe and Water Safety New Zealand warn pond owners to fence off hazards after a council's sentencing over three-year-old Lachlan Jones' death.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Tue, 7th Mar 2023
Is it time to consider managed retreat?
Disaster Recovery

Is it time to consider managed retreat?

Experts warn rebuilding in flood-hit areas could lock communities into repeated damage, forcing a national rethink on who pays to move.

By Staff Writer • 5 min read • Fri, 3rd Mar 2023
Why National’s Three Waters policy means higher rates and more debt
New Zealand Labour Party

Why National’s Three Waters policy means higher rates and more debt

Struggling councils would likely face heavier rates or extra borrowing under National’s plan, as water upgrades remain badly underfunded.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Sun, 26th Feb 2023
Is advice on safe container use practical?
Risk & Compliance

Is advice on safe container use practical?

Worksites face fresh safety guidance as WorkSafe consults on how to stop containers creating traffic, stability and stacking hazards.

By Michael Curreen • 4 min read • Sun, 12th Feb 2023
What to do when remediating from flooding
Climate change

What to do when remediating from flooding

Homeowners risk mould and structural damage if flood repairs begin before hidden moisture is fully removed, new BRANZ guidance warns.

By Michael Curreen • 2 min read • Thu, 9th Feb 2023
Experts weigh in on Auckland floods
Auckland Council

Experts weigh in on Auckland floods

Climate scientists say Auckland’s floods were intensified by atmospheric rivers, while economists warn neglected infrastructure is leaving homes exposed.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Mon, 30th Jan 2023
The infrastructure sector – 2022 in review & looking ahead
Power / Energy

The infrastructure sector – 2022 in review & looking ahead

Policy change, fuel resilience and green power projects are set to dominate infrastructure again as reform timelines tighten in 2023.

By Staff Writer • 5 min read • Mon, 16th Jan 2023
Three Waters debate drowning out the real issue
University of Otago

Three Waters debate drowning out the real issue

Public health risks from contaminated drinking water remain at the heart of the reforms, as debate over local control overshadows safety.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Mon, 5th Dec 2022
Repeating past mistakes of RMA
Sustainability

Repeating past mistakes of RMA

Critics say the overhaul could add bureaucracy and legal uncertainty, raising doubts it will ease New Zealand’s housing crisis.

By Michael Curreen • 6 min read • Wed, 16th Nov 2022
Mayors propose simpler Three Waters alternative
Financing

Mayors propose simpler Three Waters alternative

Councils could get a simpler path to fund water upgrades after the mayors’ plan was backed as a more practical alternative to Three Waters.

By Staff Writer • 6 min read • Fri, 4th Nov 2022
Review proposes significant changes to local councils
Taxation

Review proposes significant changes to local councils

Communities could face stronger local democracy and more equitable funding as a draft review seeks submissions on council reforms.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Fri, 28th Oct 2022
Slow step forward for New Zealand public transport
Smart Cities

Slow step forward for New Zealand public transport

Passengers across New Zealand will eventually tap cards and mobile wallets on buses, trains and ferries, but the rollout is not due until 2026.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Thu, 20th Oct 2022
Reputations will be won or lost on climate change transparency
Sustainability

Reputations will be won or lost on climate change transparency

Most New Zealanders want flood-risk homes disclosed, as a survey warns opaque climate messaging could damage trust across property markets.

By Michael Curreen • 5 min read • Mon, 26th Sep 2022
‘Most-productive’ land off-limits for housing
Agricultural Technology

‘Most-productive’ land off-limits for housing

Councils face tighter limits on rezoning fertile farmland for housing, as ministers say it is needed to safeguard New Zealand’s food supply.

By Michael Curreen • 4 min read • Fri, 23rd Sep 2022
Government responds to infrastructure strategy
Education, Learning & Training

Government responds to infrastructure strategy

Industry says the response is only a first step, as ministers face pressure to turn a 30-year plan into concrete infrastructure action.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Wed, 21st Sep 2022