Did you know Councils voted for the Public Sales of Fireworks to be banned?
The recent Local Government New Zealand Conference had a number of remits that were voted on by delegates at the conference. These remits usually get workshopped by all councillors and voted on so that delegates know what the councillors majority vote is and vote accordingly. This year we were given the remits by email two days before the conference and had no time to consider these and discuss them or seek further information. Not a big deal it seems well read the remits which are as follows.....
1 Climate change – local government representation
2 Ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public
3 Traffic offences – red light running
4 Prohibit parking on grass berms
5 Short-term guest accommodation (air bnb bnbs)
6 Nitrate in drinking water7
Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (1987)
8 Weed control
9 Building defects claims
10 Social housing
11 Procurement
12 Single use polystyrene
13 Local Government Act 2002
14 Campground regulations
15 Living wage
16 Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act
17 Greenhouse gases
18 Climate change – policy framework
19 Road safety
20 Mobility scooter safety
21 Museums and galleries
22 Resource Management Act
23 Mayor decision to appoint Deputy Mayor
24 Beauty industry
To see the decions reached by the delegates and read the entire remits follow this link www.lgnz.co.nz...
As you can see there were a large number of remits and to expect Councillors to investigate and consult in 48 hours is unacceptable. The reason for the late notification was given as a communication breakdown by staff. Whilst I have no reason to doubt this the Mayor attends this conference every year and is a member of the National Executive, one would think that it would have been obvious to have seen ths was not on the workshop or agendas for meetings in time. These decisions do not bind our council however they bind our National Body to achieve the remits that were passed. Another lack of transparency where councillors have been kept in the dark. Time for a change is obvious.
As I have at the top of the page this is my opinion and does not reflect any official position of Council,
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Wild weather in the Waikato
The Waikato really copped it over the weekend, with wild weather leaving a hefty clean-up bill that may run into the millions.
While things are looking calmer in the days ahead, there are still plenty of slips and flooded roads across the district — so if you’re heading out, take it easy and stay alert.
We want to know: How did you and your whānau get on over the weekend?
Want to see what recovery will look like from here? The Waikato Times has the latest.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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