Councils across the Bay of Plenty are seeking public feedback on the future of local government after the Government signalled major structural reforms and set an ambitious timeline for change. Under the proposal, councils have been given just three months to develop and submit alternative governance arrangements or risk having a structure imposed from Wellington.…

Waipareira chief executive and Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere says proposed move-on orders must be viewed within a wider pattern of Government policies placing pressure on Māori communities. Tamihere joined Radio Waatea as debate intensifies over the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill, which would give Police and authorised officers greater powers to direct…