Category: News

Monthly Meeting (Main topic IAWAI) 27 July 2026 – Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Incorporated

Jun 25, 2026 | Hamilton City, Infrastructure, Local Government Reform, News, Three Waters, Water Meters

Consultation closes 05 July 2026: Simplifying Local Government (Council Amalgamation Options)

Jun 21, 2026 | Amalgamation, Consultation, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Spending, Hamilton City, Incoming Legislation, Law and Legislation, Local Government Reform, News, Rates Increases, Taking Action, Waikato District, Waikato Region, Waipa District

Backlash Grows Towards Wellington’s New “Tiaki Wai” Water Company: May 2026 Media Coverage

May 31, 2026 | Amalgamation, Contractors, Core Services, Council Funding, Council Spending, Greater Wellington Region, Hutt City, Law and Legislation, LGFA, Local Government Reform, News, Opinion, Pollution, Porirua City, Rates Increases, Three Waters, Upper Hutt City, Wellington City

AGM Saturday 18 July 2026 – Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Incorporated

May 31, 2026 | Hamilton City, News

Duncan Garner Podcast: ‘We’re Going Backwards’ – Firefighters Sound The Alarm On Pay, Resources

May 6, 2026 | Article, Auckland City, Cities and Regions, Emergency Services, Freedom of Expression, Hamilton City, Health and Safety, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Professional Managerial Class, Protest, Regulations

Wellington Water CCO: January-March 2026 Media Coverage

Apr 4, 2026 | Amalgamation, Contractors, Core Services, Council Funding, Council Spending, Greater Wellington Region, Hutt City, Law and Legislation, LGFA, Local Government Reform, News, Opinion, Pollution, Porirua City, Rates Increases, Three Waters, Upper Hutt City, Wellington City

Supreme Court rules in favour of landowners in Mt Messenger Bypass dispute

Mar 9, 2026 | Contractors, Court case, Government Organisations, Infrastructure, Interview, Law and Legislation, New Zealand Issues, News, Property Rights, Protest, Regulations, Transport and Roading

OPINION: NZ is slowly slipping on the global corruption index. Is it time for an anti-corruption agency?

Feb 27, 2026 | Article, Corruption, Government Organisations, International, International Organisation, Law and Legislation, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Parliament, Professional Managerial Class, Regulations, Social problems

National Emergency Management Agency on Space Weather (2024 Plan and 2025 Exercise)

Dec 15, 2025 | Article, Climate Change and Weather, Emergency Services, Health and Safety, Internet of Things, Natural Hazards, New Zealand Issues, News, Parliament, Safety and Well-being, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities)

Newsroom article: “Ratepayers rout mayors who imposed big rises”

Oct 31, 2025 | Asset Sales, Buller District, Core Services, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Spending, Dunedin City, Elections, Far North District, Greater Wellington Region, Hamilton 2025, Hamilton City, Infrastructure, LGNZ, Local Government Reform, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Rates Increases, Three Waters, Waikato Region, Waipa District, Wellington 2025, Wellington City, Whanganui District

Newsroom covers the Building Nations conference and “the great privatisation”

Sep 1, 2025 | Article, Asset Sales, Cities, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Developer Contributions, Global Agendas, International, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Regulations, Road Pricing and Congestion Charges, Three Waters, Toll Roads, Transport and Roading, WEF

Household Water Costs in Hamilton City Projected to Triple within 9-years under New Water Company

Sep 1, 2025 | Article, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Hamilton City, Incoming Legislation, Infrastructure, LGFA, Local Government Reform, News, Rates Increases, Three Waters, Waikato Region

News

Stuff Article: Why are councils considering rates hikes of 25.5% and higher?

Dec 11, 2023 | Auckland City, Christchurch City, Cities and Regions, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Hamilton City, New Zealand Issues, News, Rates Increases, Three Waters, Wellington City

Authored by: Erin Johnson Published on: 11 December 2023 Published by: Stuff Limited Headline: Why...

News

Monthly Meeting (Main topic IAWAI) 27 July 2026 – Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Incorporated

Jun 25, 2026 | Hamilton City, Infrastructure, Local Government Reform, News, Three Waters, Water Meters

From the Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Our MONTHLY MEETING is to be held:- DAY:...

Additional Posts

Meeting Saturday 02 May 2026 – Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Incorporated

Apr 30, 2026 | Hamilton City, News, Rates Increases, Three Waters, Transport and Roading

From the Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Date: Saturday 02 May 2026 Time...

Consultation closes 06 April 2026: Hamilton City Council’s & Waikato District Council’s (IAWAI) Water Services Strategy

Mar 27, 2026 | Consultation, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Spending, Hamilton City, LGFA, Local Government Reform, News, Rates Increases, Taking Action, Three Waters, Waikato District, Water Meters

Hamilton City Council is consulting on the Water Services Strategy from their new water company...

Meeting Saturday 28 March 2026 – Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Incorporated

Mar 27, 2026 | Hamilton City, News

From the Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Date: Saturday 28 March 2026 Time...

OPINION: NZ’s $2.5 billion shoddy building bill: how to fix the ‘build now, fix later’ culture

Mar 3, 2026 | Building Consent, Contractors, Government Organisations, High-density Housing, Housing supply, Incoming Legislation, Law and Legislation, Local Government Reform, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Parliament, Professional Managerial Class, Regulations, Social problems

[Originally published 02 February 2026 on The Conversation] By Mark Kirby, Construction Industry...

Meeting 28 February 2026 – Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Incorporated

Feb 27, 2026 | Hamilton City, News

From the Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Date: Saturday 28 February 2026...

Consultation Closes 27 February 2026: “Inquiry into the 2025 Local Elections”

Feb 23, 2026 | Auckland 2025, Auckland City, Buller District, Christchurch 2025, Christchurch City, Cities, Cities and Regions, Consultation, Contractors, Direct Democracy, Dunedin 2025, Dunedin City, Elections, Far North District, Freedom of Expression, Government Organisations, Greater Wellington Region, Hamilton 2025, Hamilton City, Hutt City, Invercargill City, Kaipara District, Kapiti Coast District, Law and Legislation, Nelson City, New Plymouth District, New Zealand Issues, News, Palmerston North City, Parliament, Porirua City, Rangitīkei District, Regions, Regulations, Taking Action, Tauranga City, Upper Hutt City, Waikato Region, Waipa District, Wellington 2025, Wellington City, Whanganui District

CONSULTATIONS CLOSE 11.59pm on Friday 27 February 2026 for the “Inquiry into the 2025 Local...

Meeting 31 January 2026 – Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Incorporated

Jan 26, 2026 | Hamilton City, News

From the Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Date: Saturday 31 January 2026 Time: 10am...

Consultation Closes 08 January 2026: “Building and Construction Sector” Amendment Bills

Dec 11, 2025 | Auckland City, Building Consent, Buller District, Christchurch City, Cities, Cities and Regions, Code of Conduct complaints, Consultation, Contractors, Core Services, Data-driven, Dunedin City, Far North District, Freedom of Expression, Government Organisations, Greater Wellington Region, Hamilton City, Housing supply, Hutt City, Incoming Legislation, Infrastructure, Invercargill City, Kaipara District, Kapiti Coast District, Law and Legislation, Local Government Reform, Nelson City, New Plymouth District, New Zealand Issues, News, Palmerston North City, Parliament, Porirua City, Rangitīkei District, Regions, Regulations, Resource Management Act (RMA), Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Surveillance, Taking Action, Tauranga City, Upper Hutt City, Waikato Region, Waipa District, Whanganui District

CONSULTATIONS CLOSE 11.59pm on Thursday 08 January 2026 for two “Building and Construction Sector”...

Consultation Closes on 20 January 2026: “Simplifying Local Government” Proposed Reforms of Regional Councils

Dec 4, 2025 | Amalgamation, Article, Buller District, Christchurch City, Cities, Consultation, Core Services, Council Finances, Council Meetings, Dunedin City, Elections, Far North District, Government Organisations, Greater Wellington Region, Hamilton City, Hutt City, Incoming Legislation, Invercargill City, Kaipara District, Kapiti Coast District, Law and Legislation, Local Government Reform, New Plymouth District, New Zealand Issues, News, Palmerston North City, Parliament, Porirua City, Public Transport, Rail, Rangitīkei District, Regions, Regulations, Resource Management Act (RMA), Tauranga City, Upper Hutt City, Waikato Region, Waipa District, Wellington City, Whanganui District

Summary On 25 November 2025, the Minister of Local Government Simon Watts and Minster of RMA...

OPINION: Calling the C-word in the Police cover-up scandal

Dec 4, 2025 | Article, Corruption, Court case, Crime, Government Organisations, Law and Legislation, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Parliament, Professional Managerial Class, Regulations, Social problems

[Originally published 17 November 2025 on the Democracy Project ] By Bryce Edwards (Political...

Consultation Closes 08 January 2026: “Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill”

Dec 4, 2025 | Auckland City, Buller District, Christchurch City, Cities, Cities and Regions, Consultation, Core Services, Council Funding, Council Spending, Data-driven, Dunedin City, Far North District, Global Agendas, Greater Wellington Region, Hamilton City, Hutt City, Incoming Legislation, Infrastructure, Internet of Things, Invercargill City, Kaipara District, Kapiti Coast District, Law and Legislation, Local Government Reform, Nelson City, New Plymouth District, New Zealand Issues, News, Palmerston North City, Porirua City, Rangitīkei District, Regions, Regulations, Road Pricing and Congestion Charges, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Surveillance, Taking Action, Tauranga City, Toll Roads, Transport and Roading, Upper Hutt City, Voting Record, Waikato Region, Waipa District, Whanganui District

Summary The Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill passed its first reading on 18 November 2025,...

October 2025 Coverage of S&P’s “New Zealand Water Reforms Don’t Guarantee Rating Relief For Local Councils” Report

Oct 31, 2025 | Article, Auckland City, Christchurch City, Cities and Regions, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Spending, Developer Contributions, Dunedin City, Hamilton City, Hutt City, Incoming Legislation, Infrastructure, Invercargill City, Law and Legislation, LGFA, Local Government Reform, Nelson City, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Palmerston North City, Porirua City, Three Waters, Upper Hutt City, Water Meters, Wellington City

Summary In late October 2025, S&P Global published a Scenario Analysis titled New Zealand...

Consultation Closes 9 November 2025: Morrinsville Road upgrades, Hamilton

Oct 28, 2025 | Consultation, Disruptions, Emergency Services, Hamilton City, Hostile Architecture, News, Taking Action, Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading

The public consultation for the proposed Morrinsville Road upgrades closes on 9 November 2025. The...

Meeting 1 November 2025 – Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Incorporated

Oct 28, 2025 | Hamilton City, Law and Legislation, Local Government Reform, News

From the Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Date: Saturday 1 November 2025 Time:...

Meet the Candidates: 10 September 2025 – Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Incorporated

Aug 30, 2025 | Elections, Hamilton 2025, Hamilton City, News

From the Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS Waikato Regional...

Auckland Election 2025 Events

Aug 22, 2025 | Auckland 2025, Auckland City, Elections, Hamilton 2025, News, Taking Action

UPDATE: Auckland Council’s Official Results can be found at this link…...

Hamilton City Election 2025 Events & Opinion Pieces

Aug 22, 2025 | Elections, Hamilton 2025, Hamilton City, News, Taking Action, Waikato Region

UPDATE: Hamilton City Council’s Official Results as copied from the Hamilton City Council...

Meet the Candidates: 27 August 2025 – Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Incorporated

Aug 22, 2025 | Elections, Hamilton 2025, Hamilton City, News

From the Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS Hamilton West...

Petition to “Stop New Zealand’s Electronic Road User Charges (eRUC) Surveillance System”

Aug 17, 2025 | Electromagnetic Pollution, Incoming Legislation, Internet of Things, Law and Legislation, New Zealand Issues, News, Petitions, Road Pricing and Congestion Charges, Surveillance, Taking Action, Toll Roads, Transport and Roading

This petition is running on change.org and is titled “Stop New Zealand’s Electronic Road User Charges (eRUC) Surveillance System”. Within the first 7 days, over 14,900 had signed the petition. The petition is...

Community Organises Opposition to the Site Selection of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Proposed for Southern Hamilton

Aug 17, 2025 | Article, Building Consent, Core Services, Hamilton 2025, Hamilton City, Health and Safety, News, Pollution, Property Rights, Protest, Safety and Well-being, Taking Action, Three Waters, Waikato Region, Waipa District

Over 70 people attended an afternoon meeting on the 9th of August, where a community on the edge...

Open Invitation for Candidate Opinion Pieces

Aug 10, 2025 | Article, Auckland City, Buller District, Christchurch City, Cities and Regions, Dunedin City, Elections, Far North District, Greater Wellington Region, Hamilton City, Hutt City, Invercargill City, Kaipara District, Kapiti Coast District, Local Government Reform, Nelson City, New Plymouth District, News, Palmerston North City, Porirua City, Rangitīkei District, Taking Action, Upper Hutt City, Waikato Region, Waipa District, Wellington City, Whanganui District

Given the number of elections running across the country, sending out personal invites to every...

Consultation Closes 27 August 2025: “Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill”

Aug 10, 2025 | Arts and Cultural, Auckland City, Buller District, Christchurch City, Cities, Cities and Regions, Code of Conduct complaints, Consultation, Core Services, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Developer Contributions, Dunedin City, Far North District, Freedom of Expression, Greater Wellington Region, Hamilton City, Hutt City, Incoming Legislation, Invercargill City, Kaipara District, Kapiti Coast District, Law and Legislation, Local Government Reform, Nelson City, New Plymouth District, New Zealand Issues, News, Palmerston North City, Parks and Reserves, Porirua City, Rangitīkei District, Regions, Regulations, Safety and Well-being, Sports and Events, Taking Action, Tauranga City, Upper Hutt City, Voting Record, Waikato Region, Waipa District, Whanganui District

The Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill is currently before Parliament. Public...

Council Performance Information Released by Internal Affairs

Aug 1, 2025 | Article, Cities, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Elections, LGFA, LGNZ, Local Government Reform, New Zealand Issues, News, Rates Increases, Regions, Resources

Summary Internal Affairs has released its first set of council performance information which can...

Low rates increases achieved at Whanganui District Council – RNZ reports

Aug 1, 2025 | Article, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, New Zealand Issues, News, Rates Increases

Summary Whanganui District Council is reported to have an average rates increase of only 2.2%....

LGNZ holds annual conference and engages in propaganda war with Taxpayers’ Union

Jul 31, 2025 | Buller District, Christchurch City, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Dunedin City, Far North District, Greater Wellington Region, Hamilton City, Hutt City, Incoming Legislation, Invercargill City, Kapiti Coast District, LGNZ, Local Government Reform, Nelson City, New Plymouth District, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Palmerston North City, Petitions, Porirua City, Professional Managerial Class, Protest, Rangitīkei District, Rates Increases, Taking Action, Tauranga City, Upper Hutt City, Voting Record, Waikato Region, Waipa District, Wellington City, Whanganui District

Summary Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) describes itself as “a membership body for Aotearoa’s...

Why are Councils Leaving LGNZ?

Jul 31, 2025 | Article, Cities, Climate Change and Weather, Council Finances, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Global Agendas, Global Warming, Government Organisations, LGNZ, Local Government Reform, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Professional Managerial Class, Regions, Taking Action, Voting Record

What is Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ)? Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is a membership...

OPINION: Hamilton’s New Theatre — A Recent History

Jul 7, 2025 | Arts and Cultural, Council Finances, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Developer Contributions, Hamilton City, News, Opinion

By Rob Pascoe (Chartered Accountant, Former Hamilton City Councillor, and Hamilton Ratepayer) In...

2025 Local Government Elections

Jun 30, 2025 | Article, Auckland City, Buller District, Christchurch City, Cities and Regions, Dunedin City, Elections, Far North District, Greater Wellington Region, Hamilton City, Hutt City, Invercargill City, Kaipara District, Kapiti Coast District, Local Government Reform, Nelson City, New Plymouth District, News, Palmerston North City, Porirua City, Rangitīkei District, Taking Action, Upper Hutt City, Waikato Region, Waipa District, Wellington City, Whanganui District

2025 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS Most councils in New Zealand are having local government elections...

Opposition to Automatic Number Plate Recognition Camera Systems Builds in the USA

Jun 29, 2025 | Article, Cities, Crime, Global Agendas, International, Internet of Things, News, Road Pricing and Congestion Charges, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Surveillance, Taking Action, Toll Roads, Transport and Roading

Summary Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is the term usually used in New Zealand for...

Hamilton City Council votes to fund work towards creating new multi-council finance company

Jun 29, 2025 | Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Hamilton City, LGFA, LGNZ, New Zealand Issues, News, Rates Increases, Regulations, Voting Record

Summary The Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA), Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), Cameron...

Hamilton City Council votes to reject increasing its debt-to-revenue limit to 350%

Jun 29, 2025 | Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Hamilton City, LGFA, News, Regulations, Voting Record

Summary Most councils in New Zealand borrow from the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA) and...

AGM Notice: 07 June 2025 – Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Incorporated

Jun 5, 2025 | Elections, Hamilton City, News, Taking Action

From the Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association You are all invited and very welcome to...

KPMG International Publication – “The Great Reset: Emerging trends in infrastructure and transport”

May 31, 2025 | Article, Asset Sales, Cities, Climate Change and Weather, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Developer Contributions, Global Agendas, Global Warming, International, Internet of Things, News, Opinion, Regulations, Road Pricing and Congestion Charges, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Surveillance, Three Waters, Toll Roads, Transport and Roading, WEF

Summary The 2025 edition of KPMG’s “Emerging trends in infrastructure and transport” document is...

Whanganui Chronicle reports that Aramoho speed bumps were removed following community-led petition

May 31, 2025 | Emergency Services, Health and Safety, Hostile Architecture, Mode Shift, New Zealand Issues, News, Petitions, Safety and Well-being, Taking Action, Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading, Whanganui District

Summary According to reports in the Whanganui Chronicle: There have been speed bumps outside the...

New York Governor and the “Feds” clash over Manhattan’s new congestion charges

Apr 30, 2025 | Article, C40 Cities, Cities, Climate Change and Weather, Court case, Global Agendas, Global Warming, International, Internet of Things, Mode Shift, News, Public Transport, Regulations, Road Pricing and Congestion Charges, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Surveillance, Toll Roads, Transport and Roading

Summary New York City introduced congestion changing in early January 2025. The congestion...

Concerns that areas of Hamilton are “wastewater network constrained”

Apr 30, 2025 | Core Services, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Developer Contributions, Hamilton City, Health and Safety, High-density Housing, Housing supply, News, Opinion, Pollution, Protest, Regulations, Resource Management Act (RMA), Safety and Well-being, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Three Waters, Voting Record

On the 8th of April 2025, Hamilton City Council held a Strategic Growth and District Plan...

Meeting Notice: 03 May 2025 – Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Incorporated

Apr 29, 2025 | Contractors, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Spending, Elections, Hamilton City, News, Transport and Roading

From the Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association You are invited to our monthly meeting as...

Plan Change 9: Kāinga Ora appeals against large blocks of Hamilton becoming Historic Heritage Areas

Apr 29, 2025 | Building Consent, Court case, Hamilton City, Heritage buildings, High-density Housing, Housing supply, Law and Legislation, News, Property Rights, Regulations, Resource Management Act (RMA), Taking Action

Government housing provider, Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, is challenging areas in many...

Christchurch’s planned $590,000 raised crossing will only cross part of road due to disagreement between community boards

Apr 29, 2025 | Christchurch City, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Hostile Architecture, Mode Shift, News, Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading, Voting Record

Summary Christchurch City Council is planning to install a raised pedestrian crossing across Deans...

No tolls on the new Manawatū Tararua Highway, public feedback was 90% against the proposed tolling

Apr 22, 2025 | Cities and Regions, Consultation, Council Spending, Emergency Services, Health and Safety, News, Palmerston North City, Protest, Road Pricing and Congestion Charges, Safety and Well-being, Toll Roads, Transport and Roading

Summary State Highway 3 through the Manawatū Gorge was closed in 2017 due to slips. The new road...

Consultation Closes 27 April 2025: “Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill”

Apr 1, 2025 | Auckland City, Christchurch City, Cities, Consultation, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Spending, Dunedin City, Global Agendas, Greater Wellington Region, Hamilton City, Hutt City, Incoming Legislation, Internet of Things, Invercargill City, Law and Legislation, Local Government Reform, Mode Shift, Nelson City, New Zealand Issues, News, Palmerston North City, Porirua City, Road Pricing and Congestion Charges, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Surveillance, Taking Action, Tauranga City, Toll Roads, Transport and Roading, Upper Hutt City, Wellington City

The Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill is currently before...

Consultations April 2025: “Local Water Done Well” Water Service Reforms

Mar 31, 2025 | Christchurch City, Cities, Consultation, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Spending, Dunedin City, Greater Wellington Region, Hamilton City, Hutt City, Incoming Legislation, Law and Legislation, Local Government Reform, New Zealand Issues, News, Porirua City, Taking Action, Tauranga City, Three Waters, Upper Hutt City, Water Meters, Wellington City

There are “Local Water Done Well” consultations running at councils around the country with many...

Council Uses Leading Questions in Wairere Drive Speed Reduction Consultation

Mar 31, 2025 | Consultation, Council Meetings, Hamilton City, Hostile Architecture, Mode Shift, News, Resource Management Act (RMA), Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading

By Geoff Kreegher (Hamilton Ratepayer) The 2025 consultation results for this speed reduction on a...

Meeting Notice: 27 March 2025 – Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Incorporated

Mar 26, 2025 | Contractors, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Spending, Elections, Hamilton City, Incoming Legislation, Local Government Reform, News

From the Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association You are in invited to the second of our...

OPINION: Eager Beavers Beat Government Experts

Feb 28, 2025 | Consultation, Government Organisations, Law and Legislation, Local Government Reform, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Professional Managerial Class, Regulations, Resource Management Act (RMA), Taking Action

By Andrew Bydder, Hamilton City Councillor Photo: Fritz Geller-Grimm, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA...

Hamilton’s $689,000 raised crossing design replaced with a $546,000 “at-level” crossing

Feb 28, 2025 | Consultation, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Hamilton City, Hostile Architecture, Mode Shift, News, Taking Action, Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading, Voting Record

On 23 October 2024, Hamilton City Council voted to redesign the planned raised crossing on...

Minister of Local Government Reassigned in January 2025

Feb 27, 2025 | Government Organisations, Law and Legislation, New Zealand Issues, News, Parliament, Taking Action, Transport and Roading, Wellington City

In the January 2025 Cabinet reshuffle, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown was reassigned and...

Meeting Notice: 27 February 2025 – Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association Incorporated

Feb 27, 2025 | Core Services, Elections, Flood Risk, Hamilton City, Incoming Legislation, Local Government Reform, News, Three Waters, Water Fluoridation, Water Meters

From the Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers Association You are invited to our monthly meeting...

Consultation Closes 28 February 2025: Hamilton City’s District Plan Change 14

Jan 30, 2025 | Consultation, Council Meetings, Flood Risk, Global Warming, Hamilton City, Health and Safety, Law and Legislation, Natural Hazards, New Zealand Issues, News, Property Rights, Taking Action

The public consultation for changing the Hamilton City District Plan based on flood risk modelling...

Consultation Closes 7 March 2025: Lowering Speed Limit on Wairere Drive, Hamilton

Jan 30, 2025 | Consultation, Disruptions, Emergency Services, Hamilton City, Hostile Architecture, News, Resource Management Act (RMA), Taking Action, Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading

The public consultation for lowering the speed limit on Hamilton’s Wairere Drive closes on 7...

Michael Connett’s NZ Speaking Tour on Water Fluoridation

Jan 21, 2025 | Auckland City, Cities and Regions, Hamilton City, Health and Safety, Hutt City, Law and Legislation, New Zealand Issues, News, Palmerston North City, Porirua City, Taking Action, Tauranga City, Three Waters, Upper Hutt City, Water Fluoridation, Wellington City

Fluoride Free NZ has organised for US Lawyer Michael Connett to tour New Zealand in February 2025....

Local Government Act Reforms: December 2024 Media Coverage

Dec 21, 2024 | Cities, Cities and Regions, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Spending, Incoming Legislation, Law and Legislation, Local Government Reform, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Rates Increases, Regions, Three Waters, Transport and Roading

Summary On the 16th of December 2024, Minister for Local Government Simeon Brown announced a...

Wellington Water CCO: November-December 2024 Media Coverage

Dec 21, 2024 | Contractors, Core Services, Council Funding, Council Spending, Greater Wellington Region, Hutt City, News, Opinion, Porirua City, Three Waters, Upper Hutt City, Water Meters, Wellington City

Summary Wellington Water is a council controlled organisation (CCO) that is owned by six local...

Stuff Article: Couple wins battle to get ‘inundation hazard’ note off property title

Dec 8, 2024 | Climate Change and Weather, Flood Risk, Global Warming, Law and Legislation, Natural Hazards, New Zealand Issues, News, Property Rights, Tauranga City

Summary According to Stuff, a couple with a home in Mount Maunganui have succeeded in getting a...

BOP Times Article: Welcome Bay residents call for removal of speed bump due to vibration impacts

Dec 8, 2024 | Contractors, Council Spending, Hostile Architecture, Mode Shift, New Zealand Issues, News, Property Rights, Tauranga City, Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading

Summary According to the Bay of Plenty Times: Locals on Osprey Drive in Welcome Bay are...

Coverage of Oracle founder Larry Ellison’s comments on AI and mass surveillance

Nov 4, 2024 | Article, Crime, Electromagnetic Pollution, Freedom of Expression, Global Agendas, Government Organisations, International Organisation, Internet of Things, Interview, News, Opinion, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Surveillance, Transport and Roading

Summary At the September 2024 Oracle financial meeting, the corporation’s founder Larry Ellison...

Crown Observer to Monitor Wellington City Council

Nov 4, 2024 | Article, Asset Sales, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Greater Wellington Region, Hamilton City, Local Government Reform, New Zealand Issues, News, Three Waters, Wellington City

Summary On the 22 October 2024 Local Government Minister Simeon Brown announced that he was...

Hamilton’s $689,000 raised crossing to be redesigned

Nov 2, 2024 | Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Hamilton City, Hostile Architecture, Mode Shift, News, Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading, Voting Record

On 23 October 2024 Hamilton City Council voted to redesign the planned crossing on Heaphy Terrace....

BOP Times Article: Tauranga raised pedestrian crossing ripped out after vibration issues, returned to original design

Nov 2, 2024 | Council Spending, Hostile Architecture, New Zealand Issues, News, Tauranga City, Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading

Summary A raised pedestrian crossing in the Matua suburb of Tauranga is being removed and replaced...

News coverage of the meetings to oppose the Tararua toll road

Oct 25, 2024 | Cities and Regions, Consultation, Council Spending, Emergency Services, Health and Safety, News, Palmerston North City, Protest, Road Pricing and Congestion Charges, Safety and Well-being, Toll Roads, Transport and Roading

Summary State Highway 3 through the Manawatū Gorge was closed in 2017 due to slips. Saddle road is...

Shaw’s Bird Park: A Part Day in Court

Oct 11, 2024 | Hamilton City, Law and Legislation, News, Parks and Reserves, Property Rights, Protest, Shaw's Bird Park

After being arrested and released by police on the 10th of September 2024, Murray Shaw showed up...

Shaw’s Bird Park: Diggers, Barricades, and Trespass Notices

Oct 3, 2024 | Article, Contractors, Council Debt, Council Spending, Crime, Freedom of Expression, Hamilton City, Law and Legislation, News, Parks and Reserves, Property Rights, Protest, Shaw's Bird Park

Contractor’s machinery occupying parts of the Bird Park, Photographed in September 2024...

OPINION: Why Vote Against “Safety” and “Free Money”?

Oct 1, 2024 | Auckland City, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Hamilton City, Hamilton East Ward 2024 By-election, Mode Shift, News, Open Letters, Opinion, Safety and Well-being, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading, Vision Zero, Wellington City

By John McDonald (CityWatch NZ Editor and 2024 Hamilton East Ward By-election Candidate) The issue...

Hamilton’s $689,000 raised crossing delayed

Oct 1, 2024 | Consultation, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Emergency Services, Hamilton City, Health and Safety, Hostile Architecture, Mode Shift, News, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading, Vision Zero, Voting Record

On Thursday (26 September 2024) Hamilton City Council voted to delay a decision on the plans for a...

US court ruling on fluoride in drinking water being a health hazard

Oct 1, 2024 | Article, Auckland City, Cities, Cities and Regions, Council Spending, Dunedin City, Greater Wellington Region, Hamilton City, Health and Safety, Hutt City, International, Invercargill City, Law and Legislation, New Plymouth District, New Zealand Issues, News, Palmerston North City, Porirua City, Safety and Well-being, Three Waters, Upper Hutt City, Waikato Region, Waipa District, Water Fluoridation, Wellington City, World Health Organisation

A major US court ruling on water fluoridation has judged that fluoridation of drinking water at...

“Stop Water Fluoridation” petition (closes 19 Nov 2024)

Oct 1, 2024 | Auckland City, Cities, Council Spending, Dunedin City, Greater Wellington Region, Hamilton City, Health and Safety, Hutt City, Invercargill City, New Plymouth District, New Zealand Issues, News, Palmerston North City, Petitions, Porirua City, Safety and Well-being, Taking Action, Three Waters, Upper Hutt City, Waikato Region, Waipa District, Water Fluoridation, Wellington City

This petition to parliament is due to close on 19 November 2024 (11:59 pm). Go to this link to...

Ombudsman surveying public on OIA/LGOIMA and council transparency (closes 29 November 2024)

Sep 30, 2024 | Auckland City, Consultation, Freedom of Expression, Greater Wellington Region, Hutt City, New Zealand Issues, News, Official Information Act, Porirua City, Taking Action, Three Waters, Upper Hutt City, Wellington City

The Chief Ombudsman is undertaking self-initiated investigations into the official information...

NZTA consultation on three proposed toll roads (closes 7 Oct 2024)

Sep 30, 2024 | Article, Cities and Regions, Consultation, News, Palmerston North City, Protest, Road Pricing and Congestion Charges, Taking Action, Tauranga City, Transport and Roading

All three consultations on these proposed toll roads close at 5:00pm on Monday 7 October 2024. If...

OPINION: Hamilton City Council Borrowing to Increase

Sep 16, 2024 | Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Meetings, Hamilton City, Incoming Legislation, Law and Legislation, LGFA, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Rates Increases, Three Waters

The government is allowing debt to rise to 500% of waters revenue for new “Local Water Done Well” Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs). There are also plans to increase the borrowing limit for high growth councils to 350% of council revenue.

OPINION: Hamilton City Council’s Credit Downgrade Not a Surprise

Sep 15, 2024 | Article, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Spending, Hamilton City, Incoming Legislation, Law and Legislation, News, Opinion, Three Waters

By Rob Pascoe (Chartered Accountant, Former Hamilton City Councillor, and Hamilton Ratepayer) Some...

Articles covering PM Luxon’s speech to LGNZ (August 2024)

Sep 2, 2024 | Article, Cities, Code of Conduct complaints, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Freedom of Expression, Incoming Legislation, Law and Legislation, LGNZ, Local Government Reform, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Overview, Professional Managerial Class, Rates Increases, Regions, Three Waters, Transport and Roading, Wellington City

Summary Prime Minister Christopher Luxon gave a speech at the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ)...

OPINION “Local Water Done Well” and the Hamilton Ratepayer

Aug 31, 2024 | Council Debt, Council Funding, Council Spending, Hamilton City, Health and Safety, Incoming Legislation, Law and Legislation, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Rates Increases, Three Waters, Water Meters

By Geoff Kreegher (Hamilton Ratepayer) “Local Water Done Well” is the Coalition Government’s plan...

Wellington City Council looks to reduce numbers of raised crossings in Thorndon Quay plan

Aug 31, 2024 | Article, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Emergency Services, Health and Safety, Hostile Architecture, Mode Shift, News, Opinion, Petitions, Rates Increases, Safety and Well-being, Taking Action, Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading, Voting Record, Wellington City

Opposition to Wellington City Council’s plan to install five raised pedestrian crossing along...

OPINION: Luxon Nails Councils

Aug 27, 2024 | Auckland City, Contractors, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Hamilton City, Incoming Legislation, Law and Legislation, LGNZ, Local Government Reform, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Professional Managerial Class, Rates Increases, Three Waters, Transport and Roading, Wellington City

By Andrew Bydder, Hamilton City Councillor Prime Minister Chris Luxon fronted the Local Government...

RNZ articles on congestion charging and time-of-use charging (July-August 2024)

Aug 18, 2024 | Auckland City, Consultation, Council Funding, Hamilton City, Incoming Legislation, Law and Legislation, Mode Shift, New Zealand Issues, News, Rates Increases, Road Pricing and Congestion Charges, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Surveillance, Tauranga City, Transport and Roading, Wellington City

Summary Radio New Zealand (RNZ) covers the push to legalise congestion charges and time-of-use...

New Zealand Initiative Report: Driving Change – How road pricing can improve our roads

Aug 3, 2024 | Article, Auckland City, Cities, Council Funding, Electromagnetic Pollution, Hamilton City, Internet of Things, Law and Legislation, Mode Shift, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Protest, Road Pricing and Congestion Charges, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Surveillance, Tauranga City, Transport and Roading, Wellington City

Summary The New Zealand Initiative self-identifies as a “Wellington-based think tank supported...

Opposition mobilises against the five raised crossings on Thorndon Quay, Wellington

Jul 29, 2024 | Article, Council Spending, Disruptions, Emergency Services, Greater Wellington Region, Health and Safety, Hostile Architecture, Mode Shift, News, Opinion, Petitions, Public Transport, Taking Action, Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading, Wellington City

Summary Further opposition mobilises against Wellington City Council’s plan to install five raised...

Hamilton City Council Parks and Open Spaces survey closes 29 July 2024

Jul 25, 2024 | Consultation, Council Spending, Hamilton City, News, Parks and Reserves, Taking Action, Transport and Roading

An opportunity to educate the Hamilton City Council on how the City’s parks and public...

OPINION: The Numbers Game

Jul 25, 2024 | Cities, Contractors, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Spending, Global Agendas, Hamilton City, Mode Shift, News, Opinion, Rates Increases, Safety and Well-being, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading, Vision Zero, WEF

By Andrew Bydder, Hamilton City Councillor Council Maths is… different. Figures for Hamilton City...

Democracy Project Article: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country

Jul 25, 2024 | Asset Sales, Core Services, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Mode Shift, News, Opinion, Public Transport, Rates Increases, Three Waters, Transport and Roading, Water Meters, Wellington City

[Originally published 29 April 2024 on the Democracy Project] By Dr Bryce Edwards (Political...

Democracy Project Article: When unelected officials dominate the local democratic process

Jul 25, 2024 | Article, Asset Sales, Auckland City, Christchurch City, Cities and Regions, Code of Conduct complaints, Council Finances, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Freedom of Expression, Global Agendas, Law and Legislation, Local Government Reform, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Overview, Professional Managerial Class, Tauranga City, Tauranga City Council Election 2024, Wellington City

Summary Bryce Edwards (Political Analyst and Director of the Democracy Project) provides a...

The Spinoff and The Post cover a planned $55 million project to install five raised crossings in Wellington

Jul 25, 2024 | Council Spending, Disruptions, Emergency Services, Greater Wellington Region, Hostile Architecture, Mode Shift, News, Opinion, Public Transport, Rates Increases, Safety and Well-being, Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading, Wellington City

Summary Wellington City Council is planning to install five raised pedestrian crossing along...

OPINION: Rage against the machine

Jul 3, 2024 | Code of Conduct complaints, Consultation, Freedom of Expression, Hamilton City, Law and Legislation, News, Opinion, Protest, Waipa District

By Andrew Bydder A message I sent to Waipa council as a private citizen and resident of the...

OPINION: A bridge too far

Jul 3, 2024 | Code of Conduct complaints, Consultation, Council Spending, Freedom of Expression, Hamilton City, Law and Legislation, Mode Shift, News, Opinion, Parks and Reserves, Protest, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading, Waipa District

By Andrew Bydder The sleepy leafy suburbs of quaint conservative Cambridge were torn apart by...

Kāpiti Coastal Advisory Panel and managed retreat: June 2024 updates

Jun 30, 2024 | Article, Cities and Regions, Climate Change and Weather, Consultation, Council Meetings, Flood Risk, Global Agendas, Global Warming, Greater Wellington Region, International Organisation, Kapiti Coast District, Managed Retreat, Natural Hazards, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Protest, Resource Management Act (RMA), Taking Action, United Nations

June 2024 has been a busy month for the issues of climate change adaptation and managed retreat....

OPINION: Te Huia or Te Toroa? The Costly Rail Service.

Jun 25, 2024 | Auckland City, Christchurch City, Council Spending, Hamilton City, Invercargill City, New Zealand Issues, News, Opinion, Public Transport, Transport and Roading, Waikato Region

By Geoff Lewis (Hamilton Journalist) I’ve always thought the Hamilton to Auckland commuter...

OPINION: The Orange Cone Infestation

Jun 21, 2024 | Auckland City, Council Spending, Hamilton City, Health and Safety, Law and Legislation, Local Government Reform, News, Official Information Act, Opinion, Safety and Well-being, Transport and Roading

By Margaret Evans (former Mayor and Hamilton Ratepayer) I’ve suggested to Hamilton City...

Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan Hearings: Day 3 Highlights

Jun 10, 2024 | Article, Consultation, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Hamilton City, Mode Shift, News, Opinion, Rates Increases, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Traffic Calming, Transport and Roading

Selected speakers from the 3rd day of the public hearings for the Hamilton City Council Long-Term...

Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan Hearings: Day 2 Highlights

Jun 7, 2024 | Consultation, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Hamilton City, News, Rates Increases, Taking Action, Transport and Roading

Selected speakers from the 2nd day of the public hearings for the Hamilton City Council Long-Term...

What Has Been Happening with Number Plate Recognition Cameras in Manchester, UK?

Jun 1, 2024 | Article, Cities and Regions, Climate Change and Weather, Council Debt, Council Spending, Crime, Global Agendas, International, Mode Shift, News, Overview, Petitions, Protest, Public Transport, Road Pricing and Congestion Charges, Surveillance, Taking Action, Transport and Roading

Summary and Key Points In 2008 the Greater Manchester local authorities proposed a congestion...

Protest outside Hamilton City Council on the 27th of June

May 31, 2024 | Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Hamilton City, News, Protest, Taking Action

A protest is being planned before Hamilton City Council’s Long-Term Plan is finalised in...

Hamilton City Council Kirikiriroa Maaori Ward By-election 2024

May 31, 2024 | Article, Elections, Hamilton City, Kirikiriroa Maaori Ward By-election 2024, News, Taking Action

Update 18/08/2024 Election Results Maria Te Aukaha Huata was declared the winner of the...

Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan Hearings: Day 1 Highlights

May 30, 2024 | Consultation, Core Services, Council Debt, Council Finances, Council Funding, Council Meetings, Council Spending, Hamilton City, Mode Shift, News, Rates Increases, Smart Cities (+ 20-minute Cities), Surveillance, Three Waters, Traffic Calming, UN 2030 Agenda

Selected speakers from the 1st day of the public hearings for the Hamilton City Council Long-Term...

Submissions close on 29 May 2024 for the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill

May 27, 2024 | Consultation, Incoming Legislation, Law and Legislation, Local Government Reform, New Zealand Issues, News

The New Zealand Parliament has given people just 5 days to send in submissions on these proposes...

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