396 days ago

Poll: Do you think amalgamating councils would be good for Waikato?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

There’s a saying that goes something like this - the more things change, the more they stay the same - and when it comes to amalgamating the region’s district councils, nothing could be truer.

Talk of amalgamating the Waikato region’s multiple local bodies goes as far back as 1989, when around 850 around the country were amalgamated into 86 local authorities.

Do you think amalgamating councils would be good for Waikato? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think amalgamating councils would be good for Waikato?
  • 17.1% Yes
    17.1% Complete
  • 14.3% Maybe some of them
    14.3% Complete
  • 60% No
    60% Complete
  • 8.6% Not sure
    8.6% Complete
35 votes
More messages from your neighbours
8 hours ago

Roadworks on SH1 between Hampton Downs and Rangiriri

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA)

From 7 to 18 December, there will be night-time closures on SH1 between Hampton Downs and Rangiriri (Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am) to carry out wire rope barrier maintenance. Please expect delays when travelling through this area. Find out more

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6 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.

We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?

Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.

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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.2% Yes
    53.2% Complete
  • 46.8% No
    46.8% Complete
1883 votes
1 day ago

‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...

The Team from New Zealand Police

As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.

Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.

There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”

A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105

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