News Stories

Recycling technician Nelson Harper stands for city council
Manawatu Standard | 2 Jul 2025

"Palmerston North waste manager Nelson Harper is the first newcomer to announce he will be standing for the city council at October’s local government elections. Harper is the chief executive …

Contest begins for city seats on Horizons
Manawatu Standard | 1 Jul 2025

Summary: short bio of Peter Wells and Emma Gregg, both running for Horizons

Marlborough’s first Māori ward councillor on scepticism and acceptance
The Press | 18 Jun 2025

After only one term, and with its very existence on the line this election, incumbent Māori ward councillor Allanah Burgess will return unopposed to the council table. The Marlborough District …

Tania Waikato: “It wasn’t bots, it was us.”
E-Tangata | 8 Jun 2025

One of the lawyers for the Toitū Te Tiriti movement, Tania Waikato, seems to be everywhere on kaupapa Māori social media at the moment. Waikato is pumping out videos and …

Farmers say they pay more than their share of regional rates
Manawatu Standard | 23 May 2025

Horizons Regional Council has been told it’s “out of touch” thinking ratepayers can afford a proposed 11.2% rates increase. Rural and commercial property owner Peter Wells said with inflation running …

Orphée Mickalad stands for Palmerston North mayoralty
Manawatu Standard | 17 May 2025

"Four-year Palmerston North city councillor Orphée Mickalad is standing for the mayoralty. Elected to the council at a by-election in 2021, Mickalad was the city’s first former refugee to claim …

'Workable and definable': Women's rights group backs legally defining gender
NewstalkZB | 23 Apr 2025

But Speak Up for Women spokesperson Suzanne Levy told Mike Hosking polling on this issue indicates people don't want trans people to be treated poorly. But she says at the …

Why is Labour MP Duncan Webb opposing a new supermarket plan?
Stuff | 25 Mar 2025

The finance minister has slammed Labour regulation spokesperson Duncan Webb for opposing the fast-tracking of consenting for a new supermarket in his Christchurch electorate.

Tauranga’s first Māori ward councillor Mikaere Sydney resigns
Bay of Plenty Times | 31 Jan 2025

Tauranga’s first Māori ward councillor Mikaere Sydney is resigning after never being able to take up the job because of illness. A byelection will now be held to fill the …

Tolling replacement road likened to highway robbery
Manawatu Standard | 19 Dec 2024

"Making people pay to use the nearly-completed Te Ahu a Turanga road replacing the closed Manawatū Gorge will be opposed by the Palmerston North City Council. Councillor Lorna Johnson, who …

‘Entirely stupid’: Speed limit setback tests Tasman mayor’s patience
Stuff | 12 Dec 2024

Mayor Tim King said the entire process seemed “entirely stupid” and was “such a load of shit”.

Sara Templeton announces bid for Christchurch mayoralty
The Press | 12 Oct 2024

An old article but covers her stance on past issues and future ones also.

Nelson to stand alone on water infrastructure
The Press | 10 Oct 2024

“It is slightly disappointing not to be able to have a genuine conversation and discussion with Nelson".

‘You can’t just complain’: Residents group meeting seeks positive change
Stuff | 20 Sep 2024

The Palmerston North Residents group that emerged during outrage about proposed city council rates rises and the Featherston St cycle lanes is holding a public meeting next week to plan …

Māori Wards - why I don’t think Palmerston North should have them - Leonie Hapeta
Manawatu Guardian | 26 Aug 2024

"I’ve been an elected member of the Palmerston North council since October 2013. I want to explain my decision to vote against Māori wards at a recent council meeting."

Former MP and alleged Chinese spy anointed mentee as successor
Stuff | 20 Jun 2024

First-term list MP Nancy Lu was sitting in an interview with Chinese-language media outlet Panda TV37 next to Dr Jian Yang in 2020 when the outgoing MP and alleged Chinese …