Local Aotearoa

Local Aotearoa

Home
Archive
About
Luxon misleads over cycleways being responsible for rates increases
Back in December 2024 in a social media post on LinkedIn, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed spending on cycleways for driving increases in local…
Council CE caught out in awkward hot mic moment
The Chief Executive of Kāpiti Coast District Council, Darren Edwards, has apparently been caught out by a hot microphone during the council’s livestream…
SFO investigates allegations of fraudulent allocation of public funds at KCDC
The Serious Fraud Office is investigating a former employee of Kāpiti Coast District Council over allegations relating to the fraudulent allocation of…
Beware of Greeks [candidates] bearing gifts [pledging zero rates increases]
The 2025 local government election silly season is well and truly on us.
Bizarre LGC determination locks in one of the worst under-representation situations in the country for Kāpiti
The Local Government Commission has decided to lock in for another three years the gross under-representation of the Kāpiti constituency on Greater…
Greater Wellington, Upper Hutt thumb noses at Ombudsman's transparency expectations
Despite having outgoing Ombudsman Peter Boshier write with a “please explain” over their refusal to open up their secret workshops and briefings…
2025's local government elections feel flat...
Something seems to be missing from this year’s local government elections.
Kāpiti council CE finally apologises for Kool-Aid comment
After initially doubling down and attempting to defend his Kool-Aid comment, which was caught on a hot mic during a council meeting, Kāpiti Coast…
Andrew Little wrong about WCC's ability to govern up until the election
Labour Party endorsed Wellington mayoral candidate Andrew Little, also a former Labour Government Cabinet minister, has revealed he’s either ignorant…
Amalgamation is back on the menu (again)
If you’re reading that water and Resource Management Act reforms are leading to a need to also reform the structure, funding, and role of local…
Councillors are politicians representing their communities, not corporate directors or Cabinet colleagues
Over at The Post, Andrea Vance has penned a solid critique of Crown Observer Lindsay McKenzie’s first report about his time so far at Wellington City…
Are regional councils facing the axe?
Once again we find ourselves discussing the question of whether local government is fit for purpose.
© 2025 Gwynn Compton
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture