Lawrence Yule
Local Councils are too reliant on property taxes for funding
Local Government New Zealand believes councils are too reliant on property taxes for their funding. It says demographic and economic changes have made the future of local government funding an… Audio
Mayors convene secret meeting to discuss super cities
An exclusive group of about 10 mayors is meeting at a Taupo resort this morning to discuss their concerns about new Super City plans. Audio
Local government and cultural venues
The Hawke's Bay Opera house has been closed due to earthquake risk, despite millions being spent on strengthening work less than a decade ago. So what do Councils have to consider when deciding how… Audio
Auckland to clamp down on windscreen washers
Auckland councillors have backed a proposed law amendment that would allow the council greater powers to fine and prosecute on a wider range of offences, including taggers and windscreen washers… Audio
Hawkes Bay mayors have differing opinions on amalgamation
The mayors of Hawke's Bay's two cities are at odds over a Local Government Commission proposal to merge the region's five councils into one. Audio
Support for changes to 21 year leases
Support for changes to leasehold land law is growing after hundreds turned out to protest lease increases in Taranaki over the weekend. Audio
Local Govt president on turnout in local body election
With just three days until the cut-off to return local body voting papers by mail, every indication points to a very low turnout. Audio
Local Govt NZ on heightened tsunami risk
Listening to that is the President of Local Government New Zealand and the mayor of Hastings, Lawrence Yule. Audio
Employment dispute in Whangarei gets political
A sacked Whangarei District Council employee says her dismissal is a breach of her rights, double standards on the part of the council, and she is promising legal action. To discuss this is Local… Audio
Regional mayors concerned local roads will miss out
Mayors of some of the country's largest provinces say their roads could fall into disrepair because of the Government's focus on roads of national significance. Westland mayor, Maureen Pugh, and the… Audio
Local Government NZ changes on the way to improve efficiencies
Local Government New Zealand is working on a plan to save ratepayers money. Audio
Disagreement on implications of CCC accreditation loss
Lawyers are at odds over what the unprecendented decision to withdraw building consent accreditation from Christchurch City Council actually means. Audio
Bill passed to make donors at council elections declare more
Legislation sparked by the John Banks' donations controversy has passed its final reading in Parliament. Audio
Local councils respond to the budget announcement
Legislation to free up land and let the Government override councils and issue consents itself will be open for submissions for a condensed period of just six weeks, will last for three years. Audio
Hastings Mayor opposes Local Government Bill
The president of Local Government New Zealand says the new Local Government Amendment Bill will open the door for more judicial reviews of council decisions. Audio
Council consents on 'fracking' will vary
The interim report on fracking warns that each council around the country has its own plans, and conditions in consents are likely to vary widely. Audio
Local Government NZ says councils not misusing funds
Local Government New Zealand has rubbished claims that councils are misusing funds. Audio
Cities on shortlist for Wilson's release would reject him
The mayors of two cities reportedly shortlisted to host Stewart Murray Wilson say they too would reject the serial sex offender. Audio
No need to tinker with definition, say councils
New Zealand councils are unanimous - they don't want the Government to change the definition of the services they should provide. Audio
How well are local councils performing?
Larry Mitchell is an independent finance & policy consultant who compiles an annual Local Government League Table. Lawrence Yule is the Hastings Mayor and President of Local Government New Zealand… Audio