Lawrence Yule
Claims of public access privatised by stealth
Philippa Tolley explores if more needs to be done to safeguard public access to the great outdoors Video, Audio
Hawke's Bay's amalgamation debate heats up as the votes roll in
As the votes roll in, Hawke's Bay's amalgamation debate is heating up with shots being fired from both sides of the camp. Audio
Mayors to attend economic forum in China next week
A slowing Chinese economy is not detering some local mayors from heading to China next week with the aim of strengthening economic ties between the two countries' regions. Audio
How will provincial areas pay for vital new infrastructure ?
The Government has unveiled a 30 year plan to improve New Zealand's infrastructure. What will this mean for small provincial communities with ageing populations and low rating bases? Hastings Mayor… Audio
Sector responds to immigration reforms
The head of Business New Zealand wants to ensure new migrants who're enticed to the regions stay there. Prime Minister John Key has announced plans to get skilled migrants moving south, rather than… Audio
Councils set out blueprint for new ways of funding
Councils have unveiled their prescription for their future funding, calling for the right to tax tourists, charge motorists and claim a share of royalities from mineral extraction in their regions. Audio
Local councils push to ban smoking outside bars
Local councils have used their annual general meeting to call for a ban on smoking outside cafes, bars and restaurants. Audio
KiwiRail on notice - what is its future?
The government has put KiwiRail on notice, giving it two years to identify savings and reduce Crown funding required. What is the future of the rail network and what is its importance to regional New… Audio
Hawkes Bay amalgamation is on the cards
Lawrence Yule, the President of Local Government New Zealand and the Mayor of the Hastings District. Audio
High and low quake risk city mayors discuss new EQ strengthening legislation
Some cities could be granted an extra 20 years to bring their earthquake prone buildings up to scratch. Audio
Nick Smith leaves open possibility of water rights deals
The Environment Minister is leaving open the possibility of preferential deals with iwi over Maori freshwater rights at a regional level. Audio
Could rates be a thing of the past in 10 years time ?
Water and sewage meters, and getting royalties from mining are among options being looked at to lessen councils' reliance on rates. Audio
Small is Beautiful Q&A
Kim Hill receives questions from the audience for the panel. Audio
Small is Beautiful
The link between economic and environmental health in New Zealand, in particular in the regions and smaller centres. The panellists are Lawrence Yule, mayor of Hastings, and president of local… Audio
BSA rejects Taranaki Regional Council complaints against RNZ
The Broadcasting Standards Authority says local authorities must expect to come under scrutiny as part of the democratic process. Audio
Beach residents unhappy over coastal hazard planning
How are local councils and central government planning for coastal hazards like sea level rises, storm surges, erosion and liquefaction? Are communities being kept informed about how flood mapping and… Audio
Local Govt NZ rejects blame for creating poverty
Labour says it is farcical and the Green Party say it is a new low for the Finance Minister to blame local councils for poverty. Audio
Mayor, DCC head refusing to front over Citifleet scandal
The Mayor and the chief executive of Dunedin City Council have gone to ground and are refusing to front, after a third resignation over the Citifleet scandal. Audio
War declared on loopy rules
The Government is calling on people to speak up about loopy rules so a new taskforce it plans to set up can look at whether to get rid of them. Audio
Local Government money saving tips
Double-sided printing, getting rid of art subsidies, and switching off some street lights, are among suggestions for money saving by local government bodies. Audio
