Auckland Council is welcoming a pat on the back by credit rating agency, Standard and Poor’s, who has affirmed the council’s AA rating.

The new Minister of Local Governent Dr Nick Smith has again referred to what might be called “excesses” in the LG sector. He recently remarked on the amount of borrowing by councils and the size of rates increases and now he has mentioned ‘employment costs’ in the sector are ‘out of step’.

Auckland Council is welcoming a pat on the back by credit rating agency, Standard and Poor’s, who has affirmed the council’s AA rating.

The new Minister of Local Governent Dr Nick Smith has again referred to what might be called “excesses” in the LG sector. He recently remarked on the amount of borrowing by councils and the size of rates increases and now he has mentioned ‘employment costs’ in the sector are ‘out of step’.

Fighting fires in the Far North this summer has already cost more than $1 million and rural fire authority personnel are worried that there are still several months to go before conditions in the north are likely to change.

Use of public transport is growing virtually all around the country and the Bay of Plenty is sharing in the trend. The regional council realises it has to provide improved services to keep the patronage figures growing.

A top chance to get closer to nature in the Far North, as Transpower, the local council and the community combine to further develop the picturesque Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail.

A recent case is of interest as a review of the Public Works Act 1981 is in prospect.  LINDA O’REILLY, partner and HOWARD JOHNSTON, commercial property partner, Brookfields Lawyers look at the details