Local Government stories
The request from the Taxpayers' Union to implement a 12-month rates freeze is misguided and has the potential to put the brakes on economic recovery.
Business leaders say the overhaul could speed up planning, cut costs and improve housing and infrastructure delivery, but local councils face uncertainty.
Transport industry groups say decades of stop-start planning could end if National’s $31 billion road and rail programme goes ahead.
With only a fifth of NZD$2.6 billion in promised projects released, contractors warn delays are already forcing layoffs and weakening confidence.
The proposed $31 billion programme would reshape commuting in the upper North Island, while relying on RMA repeal and borrowing powers.
Councils face pressure to back long-delayed water reforms as NZD $761 million in funding is tied to fixing ageing networks and service failures.
Construction firms warn that without tender dates, thousands of workers could be laid off despite USD $2.6 billion already allocated.
A shake-up of district health boards could ease long-standing failures, but the Government may lack the clout to deliver it.
Temporary changes to resource consenting could speed up Covid-19 recovery projects, though councils warn wider planning reforms must follow.
Construction jobs and council investment could restart quickly, as Auckland submits 73 infrastructure projects for the Government’s stimulus list.
Lockdown has forced Invercargill Central to push back its planned opening, complicating talks with Farmers and bank financing for the project.
COVID-19-driven revenue losses could force councils to cut infrastructure spending, hurting local economies and slowing recovery.
Billions in COVID-19 spending could be used to unlock projects, create jobs and speed New Zealand’s economic recovery, Infrastructure NZ says.
Auckland's housing crisis could deepen if the Drury project fails to deliver affordable homes despite NZD $2.4 billion in transport spending.
Youth, immigrants and urban Maori are most at risk as planners warn New Zealand must better reflect its diverse communities.
New roads, rail, schools and hospitals should help address years of underinvestment, though critics question whether USD $12 billion is enough.
WorkSafe New Zealand will be led by Phil Parkes, with the appointment set to ensure continuity after Nicole Rosie’s move to the NZ Transport Agency.
Fresh funding and planning reforms could speed up roads, water and housing delivery as New Zealand seeks to ease infrastructure bottlenecks.
Contractors still need project-by-project details, with major transport work due to wind down within 18 months and risking industry capacity gaps.
Greater transparency on future works could help New Zealand firms plan labour and capital as the pipeline tops USD $20 billion.