Articles from ‘elocal magazine’

The Government is proceeding with plans to restrict council rates increases to a target range of 2 to 4 percent, arguing it will force greater spending discipline and give households certainty over future bills. But the cap will not take full effect until July 2029, water services are excluded, council fees can still rise, and Local Government New Zealand warns something will have to give if councils are expected to maintain infrastructure…

Housing Minister Chris Bishop has acknowledged New Zealand faces an “enormous challenge” over housing and homelessness after officials confirmed there is no guarantee that a person needing shelter can be accommodated on any given night. The Government says it is increasing social housing and homelessness services, while maintaining that making shelter a legal guarantee would not necessarily solve the problem. eLocal Report: Based on reporting…

A practising lawyer has been convicted of assaulting his 12-year-old son during a boxing session, leaving the child hospitalised for three nights. The case also raises questions about professional accountability after the judge said the lawyer used his knowledge of the legal system to delay proceedings, while the Law Society confirmed a criminal conviction does not automatically prevent a lawyer from continuing to practise. eLocal Report: Based…

ACT has unveiled a wide-ranging constitutional policy aimed at reasserting Parliament's authority over the courts, restricting how tikanga can influence judicial decisions, strengthening private property rights and ending vaguely worded Treaty clauses in legislation. Te Pāti Māori has attacked the proposals as divisive, but the underlying policy raises a much larger constitutional question: who should ultimately make New Zealand law — elected…

National is promising voters it will introduce no new taxes if re-elected in November, abandoning proposed bank and accommodation taxes. But the pledge comes with an important qualification: Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis would not rule out increases to existing taxes, levies or fees — while Christopher Luxon left open the future of fuel excise. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira, Political Reporter for RNZ. · …

Türkiye has asked Interpol to assist in the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Turkish officials. The request comes as legal proceedings concerning Israel's conduct in Gaza continue separately before international courts and relations between Ankara and Israel deteriorate further INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, published 22 August 2026. Read the original report HERE · Türkiye Seeks International Arrest…

Weeks-long protests in Kiev demanding changes to Ukraine’s military leadership end without result, as Western media turn on the former defence minister after he calls for elections. Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency releases recordings allegedly showing Zelensky’s inner circle discussing money laundering and control of corruption investigations. Meanwhile, tensions grow between Turkey and Israel, with reports suggesting Turkish troops would not…

New Zealand's only aircraft manufacturer is looking overseas again. NZAero has already begun building five new CT-4 Airtrainers as growing demand for pilots across Southeast Asia creates a potentially significant opportunity for New Zealand's advanced manufacturing sector. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by John Weekes, Senior Business Reporter for the NZ Herald, published 21 August 2026. Read the original report HERE · !The NZAero CT-4…

Freedom (NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party) has announced Alistair Wait as its Northland electorate and list candidate. A researcher and teacher of constitutional history, common law, equity and tikanga Māori, Wait says his decision to enter electoral politics reflects an opportunity to campaign for direct democracy, meaningful constitutional change and greater political authority for New Zealanders. 21st August, 2026. · Freedom (NZ Outdoors &…

New Zealand's health system is under significant pressure as the country's winter influenza outbreak drives Auckland flu hospitalisations to their highest level in a decade. Health NZ says additional staff, beds and national coordination measures are now being deployed, although frontline workers report capacity remains extremely tight. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ HERE · New Zealand's winter flu outbreak is placing pressure across…