Insight / Local Government Local government amalgamation ultimatum: our 10 takeaways On 5 May 2026 the RMA Reform and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts announced a new "Head Start" pathway enabling councils to propose their own local government reorganisation. Read more
Insight / Local Government Rules about discharges – what regional councils need to know The Environment Court issued its second interim decision on the proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1 (PC1) at the end of February in the case of Oji Fibre Solutions (NZ) Limited v Waikato Regional Council [2026] NZEnvC 033. Read more
Insight / Local Government Resource management and local government reform: More than two new Bills – other legislative change to watch in 2026 This year is set to be one to remember in terms of resource management reform, with the Planning and Natural Environment Bills (proposed to replace the Resource Management Act 1991) expected to be passed into law in the middle of the year. Read more
Insight / Local Government Water service suppliers – are you ready for Information Disclosure on 30 June 2026? The Commerce Commission has issued its final Water Services Information Disclosure Determination 2026, effective 27 February 2026. Read more
Insight / Local Government High Court clarifies councils’ stormwater powers and private drain duties The High Court has issued a helpful decision in Atkinson v Waipā District Council for councils responding to claims of council liability for drains on private property. Read more
Insight / Local Government Local Government reorganised: A brief overview of the CTB model Local government in New Zealand has come a long way since the post-war era, when there were more than 700 local authorities across Aotearoa. That collection of councils included 260 country and borough councils, as well as special purpose road boards, river boards and harbour boards (as well as more than 100 rabbit control boards). Read more
