Local Government New Zealand

Local Government New Zealand should investigate making ponds lined in black plastic safer, Otago Southland coroner David Crerar says.

Dunedin's ballot box was buzzing with late voters ensuring their voice was heard yesterday, as turnout in local government elections soared across New Zealand.

In six weeks, Dunedin residents will have the opportunity to have their say on the city's future at the 2010 local government elections. Dunedin City Council reporter David Loughrey looks at the council's record in the last triennium, considers the issues that will dominate the election, and asks: Does the council listens to its citizens?

An "improvement but still flawed" is Local Government New Zealand's reaction to details released yesterday on the discount councils will have to give for late processing of resource consents.

The cost of rebuilding New Zealand's core infrastructure - rather than shiny new stadiums or glory projects - is to blame for the country's first $1 billion rates bill, Local Government New Zealand says.