http://www.councilwatch.org.nz Keep updated on what is happening in local government from a community perspective! en-us http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0511-a.htm Palmerston North, a city where the legal framework for governance is simply torn up. John Stichbury offers his concerns around wind farm development and the process the local authority has undertaken. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/columns/column_0411-a.htm This is the time of the year when councils around the country are busy finalising their draft annual plans and consulting their communities over the content. For most people, this significant period in each council’s annual cycle passes by with little interest. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/columns/column_0311-a.htm Events in Christchurch and Japan have certainly shaken New Zealanders out of their complacency. It is a timely reminder of the importance of council’s core services, the services we take for granted – namely water supply, sewage disposal and roading. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/columns/column_0211-b.htm Like most Kiwis I have spent the past 24 hours transfixed by the images and stories of the latest Christchurch earthquake; one which is measured by the number 6.3 in terms of magnitude but will forever be remembered by the tragedy of the death toll, the havoc wreaked on the city’s central business area and the collapse of many heritage buildings. But amongst the death and destruction there's a salutary lesson for elected officials. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/columns/column_0211-a.htm Journalists can be relieved that the silly season is over, tackling more serious issues as councils get down to business. But there was one story over the summer season that tickled my fancy, and even though it was tackled in a light-hearted manner, it was really quite significant. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0111-a.htm While some Wellington City Councillors are sniggering like children at Mayor Wade-Brown's suggestions to improve their skills, members of the public are realising that she may very well have a point. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/columns/column_1210-a.htm The importance of being able to access information has been brought home to me pretty vividly over the past couple of months as I researched the background to Lake Horowhenua, one of the few major lakes in this country to remain in Maori ownership. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_1210-a.htm The Law Commission launched a review of the two Acts earlier this year and the Draco Foundation - the parent organisation of Council Watch - provided a 12-page submission based on the experience of the past three years. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_1010-b.htm Council debt is spiralling and the rate burden keeps getting bigger yet the Hamilton City Council has spare cash to call in the lawyers with a view to suing another Council over an advertising campaign! http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_1010-a.htm A survey of Councillors and Mayors throughout New Zealand provides a rare insight into the thoughts and attitudes of this hard-working but much-maligned group of people. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0910-c.htm There has been the furious reporting at home and abroad on the most significant earthquake to strike New Zealand for 80 years, but the real truth of the situation is far more serious and has impacts for the entire country, and people desperately need a dose of reality. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0910-b.htm Jarrod Coburn reflects on the things Councils do well and what they need some help with. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0910-a.htm As local government politicians rush to capitalise on the major earthquake in Canterbury, others are considering the core reasons for Kiwi's lack of preparedness. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0810-c.htm New Zealand’s citizens have received a boost through the launch of the first Regional Citizen’s Forum in Wellington. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0810-b.htm A special insight into the hearts and minds of New Zealand's local body representatives was presented to the Hon. John Carter on Monday 23rd August. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0810-a.htm The Office of the Ombudsman has upheld a complaint against the Carterton District Council, after a complaint from a local residents' association. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0710-b.htm The sudden death of Councillor Keith Barnard saw over 30 years of experience in the Council Chamber lost from the Upper Hutt City Council. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0610-b.htm A 37-page report has been published containing the output from a conference for residents' associations held in Parliament Buildings in April this year. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0610-e.htm An independent survey has been conducted online, providing responses from 37% of Councillors and Mayors across New Zealand. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0610-a.htm Much more control of council controlled organisations (CCOs) has been vested back to the new Auckland City Council says Local Government New Zealand. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0510-b.htm Wairoa District Council is venturing into a new style of public consultation by hosting 'Face to Face With Council' - a two-day open event in the former Retravision building on Marine Parade. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0510-a.htm A Blenheim residents' association has complained to the Office of the Ombudsmen over the actions of the Marlborough District Council. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0210-d.htm After two attempts at undertaking public research with Councils across the country, Council Watch staff have finally given in and started lodging formal complaints with the Office of the Ombudsmen. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0710-a.htm The Bell Block and District Residents Society arranged a mayoralty candidates forum at its 30th anniversary celebrations and annual meeting held on 29th June. http://www.councilwatch.org.nz/articles/article_0610-f.htm Councillor Jeff Workman of Masterton District Council passed away this year due to illness.