Politics

Lake to ocean: council selects preferred amalgamation model

By Aksel Bech, Waikato District Mayor During the government’s permitted three-month window, we held targeted consultation and received nearly 13,500 community interactions over five...

Parking – names of Papakura parks changed

What’s in a name? A park by any other name – at least the plants in it – would smell just as sweet. Following a...

What’s next for Franklin?

By Alan Cole, Franklin Local Board Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone in Franklin who submitted feedback on our draft local board plan....

Luxon and McAnulty at odds over South Island strategy

Leader Christopher Luxon says a re-elected National Party-led government will invest in the infrastructure, exports, energy and public services needed to drive the South...

Paved with good intentions

By Casey Costello, NZ First MP Politics is, unavoidably, consuming an increasing portion of public dialogue as we head to the election. With approximately three...

Sallies: Housing crisis shifts to regions

The Salvation Army is warning that while New Zealand has built more homes than population growth required, housing pressure is worsening in many regional...

Luxon survives as leader – where to from here?

With PM under fire, Chris Harrowell and PJ Taylor (Eastern Times) have prepared this special report.  As soon as Prime Minister and Botany MP Christopher...

Well schooled – govt chalks up investments in local education

Port Waikato students have benefited from new classrooms and learning support resources under the current government. This represents three years of strong investment for...

Chain gang – mayoral awards bestowed

North Waikato has recognised contributions to community through the 2026 Mayoral Awards. The roll of honour includes nineteen local organisations, community groups and volunteers, all...

Plot thickens – tough call

As Franklin’s population booms, the region’s infrastructure must grow with it. To this end, land secured in Karaka by Auckland Council will ensure the...