Environment Canterbury has released its response to the recent Government investigation of its functions under the Resource Management and Local Government Acts. The investigation was headed by former MP Wyatt Creech.

Recently announced proposals by the Government to reform the Telecommunications Service Obligation (TSO) and create a new levy to fund the development of rural broadband are bad for the economy and everyday Kiwis, says Hon Rodney Hide, Leader of ACT New Zealand.

On Wednesday, Auckland City Council's Finance and Strategy Committee considered the half-yearly reports of three important Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs): Metrowater; the Parking Board; and the Property Enterprise Board.

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union says National and ACT's new Productivity Commission must include worker participation if it is to be taken seriously.

The commission was announced today and will be headed by up to four part-time commissioners.

Environment Canterbury's chairman Alec Neill, deputy chair Jo Kane, Cr Bob Kirk and chief executive Dr Bryan Jenkins met with Environment Minister Nick Smith, Minister of Local Government Dr Rodney Hide and key ministerial staff, Sue Powell (Environment), Deborah James (Internal Affairs) and Simo

A new Productivity Commission will be set up early next year to help boost New Zealand's economic performance across the public and private sectors, Finance Minister Bill English and Regulatory Reform Minister Rodney Hide said today.

Labour's Auckland Issues spokesperson, Phil Twyford says "Minister of Local Government, Rodney Hide is misleading Aucklanders on a daily basis as the list of super city critics grows longer and longer."

The Green Party is calling on the Government to remove the creation of Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) from the third Super City Bill.

"The Local Government Commission's final decisions on the boundaries for the new Auckland Council highlight the need for Rodney Hide to ensure local boards are given real powers" Phil Twyford said today

The Minister of Local Government, Rodney Hide, has welcomed the release today of the Local Government Commission's decisions on Auckland local board numbers, wards and boundaries.