Posts by Waikato Local
483 days ago

Poll: Do you think this is a good idea?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

The Government will today unveil the next stage of its building reforms, allowing building professionals with indemnity insurance to self-certify their own work with the goal of cutting out council inspectors and reducing cost and delays for consumers.

“The building consent system currently is one size fits all. There are really good trade professionals who aren't trusted to get on and do the work and certify their own work,” Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk told The Post.

Do you think this is a good idea? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think this is a good idea?
  • 29.6% Yes
    29.6% Complete
  • 59.3% No
    59.3% Complete
  • 11.1% Not sure
    11.1% Complete
27 votes
More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!

William Hansby Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.

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21 hours ago

Poll: Would you help your kids out with buying a home?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

OPINION: Over the past year, I’ve had the same conversation with many Waikato families again and again.

A child has found a house. The market feels like it’s moving. There’s pressure to act quickly. And before anyone has really had time to think it through, parents are being asked to step in with cash, guarantees, or equity from their own home.

Would you help your kids out with buying a home? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Would you help your kids out with buying a home?
  • 14.3% I already have.
    14.3% Complete
  • 71.4% Yes.
    71.4% Complete
  • 14.3% No
    14.3% Complete
7 votes
3 hours ago

Poll: What do you think of the new police move-on powers?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Central Hamilton businesses are welcoming police being given new powers to move on vagrants, with a city retail advocate saying the previous hands-off approach wasn’t working.

On Sunday the Government announced it would grant police powers to order any individual rough sleeping, begging, or displaying disorderly behaviour to move on.

What do you think of the new police move-on powers? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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What do you think of the new police move-on powers?
  • 100% They're needed
    100% Complete
  • 0% They won't change much
    0% Complete
  • 0% I'll wait and see
    0% Complete
4 votes