Stories by Susan Botting
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Local Government Commission warns remuneration concerns not best representation review driver
Capping councillor numbers to ensure adequate remuneration is not the best way to approach a representation review the Local Government Commission has told Northland Regional Council.
Roading leader calls for judicial review after government cans Whangārei's four-lanes
A Northland roading leader is calling for a judicial review of June's government decision to can the multi-million four-lane highway from Whangārei to Port Marsden.
Ruatangata frontrunner for new $150m Whangārei district airport
A new airport would be Whangārei District Council's single biggest infrastructure project, replacing Onerahi airport which started operating in 1939.
Whangārei water rates to increase 30 percent
Water rates are to potentially climb by more than 30 percent as Whangārei District Council faces a $3.4 million double hit from the end of Marsden Point oil refining and extra three waters costs.
Northland councils voice strong support for renewable energy zone pilot
Northland local government is strongly in favour of Tai Tokerau becoming New Zealand's first renewable energy zone pilot.
Councillor quartet rejects Northland regional landfill's statement of intent
A quartet of councillors has refused to fully support the operation of Northland's major regional landfill south of Whangārei.
Ruling on Whangārei council 'sad indictment', says former councillor
New Zealand's Local Government Commission ruling against district-wide voting for Whangārei's upcoming elections is a "sad indictment" on council decision-making, a former councillor says.
Neighbours want proposed $450m Dargaville racecourse development canned
Awakino Point opponents are calling for the proposed $450 million Dargaville Racecourse development to be canned.
Three waters: Auckland could emerge as new consumer of Marsden Point water
Auckland could emerge as a new user of millions of dollars of Whangārei water formerly taken by Marsden Point Oil Refinery.
New tsunami alert in works for NZ after Tonga eruption
A new national Civil Defence tsunami alert category is being worked up following the huge impact of the Tongan volcano eruption on Northland's coastline.
Mayor dismisses councillor from meeting for breaching council rules
A Kaipara District councillor was temporarily ejected from the council's first 2022 meeting for contempt of council.
Councillor's protest participation risks constituents' health - Mayor
A Kaipara District councillor's almost week-long participation in Wellington's anti-Covid-19 mandate protest is jeopardising the safety of Kaipara residents, Mayor Dr Jason Smith has warned.
Kaipara District Council eyes ocean discharge for Mangawhai wastewater
Kaipara District Council could potentially discharge treated wastewater into the ocean off Mangawhai as part of future sewerage infrastructure expansion for the country's fastest growing coastal…
Waka Kotahi intent on cut to speed limits across Northland
Northland has become New Zealand's first region-wide location for potentially cutting highway speed limits to 80km/h because of its roading management challenges.
Kaipara refuses testing costs for unvaccinated councillors
Kaipara ratepayers will not be paying for rapid antigen tests used by elected representatives who choose not to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Councillor apologises after partner's alleged parking, traffic infringements
A Whangārei district councillor has apologised after her partner used a car displaying her council parking permit to allegedly park unlawfully in the city centre.
'Northlanders will be outraged': Deputy mayor slates possible blanket speed reduction
There has been a negative reaction to a suggestion that the speed limit on Northland's state highway network will be cut to 80km/h.
Fears for Mangawhai sandspit over seabed sand mining at Pakiri - council
Pakiri sea floor sand has played a major role in Auckland's construction scene.
$400m proposed development on track for former Dargaville racecourse
The mixed housing and light industrial development will see housing, light industry and a retirement village on the 46.7-hectare racecourse, two kilometres northeast of Dargaville.
Northland joins 22-council national campaign to fight Three Waters
Northland councils will today be among two dozen nationally fighting the government's Three Waters mandating with the launch of a major new campaign.
Unvaccinated ratepayers warned not to expect lower rates under new red traffic light classification
Unvaccinated Whangārei ratepayers barred from council facilities under New Zealand's new traffic light Covid-19 Protection Framework should not be expecting their rates to be reduced as a result.
Whangārei: District’s new residential property value increases ‘mind boggling’ - resident
Increases of up to 85 per cent in Whangārei district residential land values are 'mind boggling', a Morningside resident says.
Onerahi community vows to fight looming emergency rescue helicopter shift
Angry residents of a Whangārei coastal community are stepping up their fight against the Northland emergency rescue helicopter base shifting to Onerahi Airport.
Whangārei council abandons controversial Oruku Landing conference and event centre
Whangārei District Council has today abandoned proceeding with the $136 million Oruku Landing conference and event centre.
'Trust your councillors' says councillor ahead of Oruku Landing decision
Gavin Benney denies his press release indicating support for a proposed conference and event centre breached the council's elected members' code of conduct.