Local Government New Zealand is pleased with the terms of reference for the Productivity Commissions’ forthcoming inquiry into local government funding and finance which were launched by Minister of Finance Hon Grant Robertson at its annual conference in Christchurch. LGNZ President Dave Cull says that the current way of funding local government doesn’t provide the means to invest for growth and development, particularly given the diverse challenges facing communities. “Our regions, cities and districts shouldn’t be entirely dependent on central government to resolve the complex issues that we are now facing – it is essential that we empower local authorities…

New Zealand’s biggest firewood supplier City Firewood wants to help change Cantabrians’ habits so they get firewood cheaper and earlier in the year.

Instead of relying on central government to decide what is good for our communities it is time to empower councils and communities themselves to make such decisions, Local Government New Zealand and The New Zealand Initiative say.

Ara’s gain is the Menzshed’s gain in Timaru as the tertiary institute donates welders to the community organisation to make way for almost $77,000 worth of new state-of-the-art engineering trades equipment at the Timaru campus.

The Waikato region now has an economic development agency and its first order of business is bringing together 250 of the region’s key people to determine major initiatives.

Blokarts and bike tracks are part of the plans for a multi-million dollar Kāpiti Coast sports park reports Virginia Fallon for Stuff.

Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall has hailed the Government's announcement of increased roading funding for Whanganui as "just fantastic".

Air Chathams will take over flights between Paraparaumu and Auckland from 20 August.

BusinessNZ has argued against proposed changes to the Local Government Act.

The Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the Christchurch Mayor’s recommendation that funding for a new Multi-Use Arena is brought forward by two years in the Councils’ Long-Term Plan, says CEO Leeann Watson.

The plans include a sprawling retail precinct, additional car parking spaces, a boutique eatery and a central medical centre.