Category: Public Media

Source: Radio New Zealand

Ōtara elected members say being refused any local board’s leadership roles is like a “slap in the face” and broke a long-standing tradition of sharing the top positions between suburbs.

At the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board inauguration on Tuesday night, the newly elected Papatoetoe Action-Team used its four-seat majority to secure both the chair and deputy chair positions.

This left Ōtara’s three elected members without leadership roles for the first time since the Auckland Super City was formed in 2010.

Prior to the inauguration, Ōtara representatives – Apulu Reece Autagavaia, Topou Folau, and Li’amanaia Lorenzo Kaisara – said they had walked out of a meeting that morning over the issue.

Apulu, who chaired the board in the previous term, said the decision risked dividing the community and being a “tyranny of the majority”.

“They had a choice to involve Ōtara. If they go ahead with this decision, they’re disrespecting Ōtara. They’re saying the people of Ōtara are an afterthought.”

He said previous boards had deliberately shared the top roles to reflect the area’s two distinct communities of interest.

“When I was chair, we represented both Ōtara and Papatoetoe.”

At the meeting, the Papatoetoe representatives voted for the same nominee, confirming Kushma Nair as chair and Paramjeet Singh as deputy chair for the full three-year term.

The decision prompted loud public outbursts and cries of “unfair” and “racist” from sections of the audience.

Supporters of Ōtara members stood and shouted as the votes were counted, accusing the Papatoetoe side of “locking Ōtara out.”

Newly elected chair Kushma Nair told Local Democracy Reporting he understood the emotion in the room but asked the community to give the board time to prove itself.

“People in Ōtara should not feel that we will leave anybody out. We are here to serve everyone,” he says. “It doesn’t belong to one party or any other party, we are ratepayers the same as you. We have to work together to achieve things in our community.”

Nair said all members, new and returning, would need to collaborate to achieve results.

“We have the experience of the three Ōtara members on board, and with that combined knowledge, I think the board can achieve a lot,” he said.

“It’s our first meeting. Over time, things will gel once we start doing the work on the ground.”

Prior to the meeting, Topou Folau, who was re-elected to the board, said the outcome ignored every opportunity to work together.

“It felt like we were told, ‘No, we’ll run things, you can support us to look good in front of the community.'”

Li’amanaia Lorenzo Kaisara, another re-elected board member, said it was a missed opportunity to showcase how they can work together, despite their political affiliations.

“I’m hurt for our people in Ōtara. I feel Ōtara has been belittled and not even considered in the leadership.”

According to Autagavaia, since Auckland Council’s formation in 2010, the chair and deputy roles have traditionally been split between Ōtara and Papatoetoe subdivisions.

During the meeting, Ōtara members proposed sharing leadership, with each subdivision holding the chair for half the term, but were outvoted four-to-three by the Papatoetoe subdivision.

Fuli and Filipaina both addressed the meeting, acknowledging the tension but urging cooperation.

“People are hurt and worried about what the future looks like for them,” Fuli said.

“If the chair is from Papatoetoe, then the deputy should be from Ōtara to honour that unity.”

Lotu said she and Filipaina would act as mediators.

“They can always change their minds in time once relationships build,” she said. “Alf and I will play that role, to help heal what’s happened and bring the board together.”

Papatoetoe Action Team spokesperson Kunal Bhalla said the decision followed due process and reflected voters’ will.

“The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board represents one united community. While our subdivisions exist for electoral purposes, our work is for all residents, from Ōtara through to Papatoetoe,” he said. “Our focus is on outcomes, not boundaries.”

Bhalla said the Papatoetoe Action Team won all four seats in its subdivision, giving it a clear mandate for change.

“The election of a Chair and Deputy Chair is a democratic process among elected members, not a public vote. Within that framework, our team proposed both positions to ensure continuity and clear direction for the term ahead,” he said.

He acknowledged previous boards had shared leadership between the two suburbs but said there was no formal requirement to do so.

Bhalla said the team acknowledged former chair Apulu’s service but believed in rotating leadership and valuing all members’ perspectives.

“The idea of ‘tyranny of the majority’ misrepresents a democratic outcome.

“The mandate for change came from the voters, and we intend to honour it through fair, inclusive governance.”

The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board was one of only a few in Auckland with formal subdivisions, created under the Super City reforms to protect distinct “communities of interest.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Mid Canterbury farmer wants the government to live up to its word and help farmers who are “wasting” large sums of money on a consent process in limbo.

It has been seven weeks since David Clark decided to go public on his frustration with the resource consent process and its “outrageous costs”.

Clark said he has since heard from many other farming families “facing the same, or worse situation than us”.

“We all know the problem. We all acknowledge the need for a solution,” Clark said.

Clark said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has repeatedly said his government backed farmers and is calling on him to “act on those words”.

The government’s planned Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms must start with an urgent pause on the enforcement of consenting rules – sentiment that was supported by Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour and Act MP Andrew Hoggard on a recent visit to his farm.

“It is utter madness for farming families to be expected to continue wasting these large sums of money on a process that will be redundant, or significantly changed in the near future.

“The solution is an extension to all existing consents until the new rules are in place.”

Clark has a mixed arable, seed, and livestock operation near Ashburton that has held a consent since 2017 and was awarded an A-grade environmental audit in 2024.

He estimated he will spend about $60,000 to get to the mid-point in the process of seeking consent to continue farming, and is facing between $200,000-300,000 if his application is fully publicly notified and requires a hearing.

His comments follow a Federated Farmers survey released last week that showed four out of five farmers are worried about gaining or renewing consents.

Federated Farmers freshwater spokesperson Colin Hurst said the findings reveal a “damning picture of a system that’s simply not working”.

“Our survey makes for incredibly sobering reading, as it’s shown us the true scale of the consenting problems,” Hurst said.

“It was staggering to learn the average bill across the country for gaining a new consent has hit nearly $45,000 and renewal permits were averaging $28,000.

“It’s even worse for Canterbury farmers, who are forking out over $60,000.

“The whole process has become so uncertain and complex that most farmers now must rely entirely on consultants and expert advisors.”

With thousands of consents due to expire in the coming months, Hurst said the situation is urgent and requires immediate action.

“How are [farmers] supposed to have the confidence to keep investing in their businesses if they don’t even know whether they’ll be allowed to keep farming next year?”

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said the government is giving active consideration to the transition from the old RMA system to the new system.

“Mr Clark can rest assured that he and others in a similar situation are being heard,” Bishop said.

“We will have more to say in the coming weeks as the new legislation and framework is released.”

The new system is expected before Parliament by December, with plans to pass it into law by mid-2026 and take effect by 2027.

Regional councils must continue operating under current law until then.

In early October, Bishop sent a letter to regional councils requesting they use “sensible judgement” in managing consents until the new legislation was in place.

In his letter, Bishop said he expected councils to be “seeking opportunities to streamline consenting processes, reduce onerous requirements wherever possible, and ease the consenting burden”.

Environment Canterbury responded in a letter, from then chairperson Craig Pauling, deputy chair Deon Swiggs, and chief executive Stefanie Rixecker, that expressed support with the Government’s reform agenda.

ECan said it was taking practical steps to improve consenting processes while upholding its statutory duties, and welcomed a meeting with Ministers to discuss details of the transition plan.

Bishop said officials will be engaging with ECan as part of discussing and preparing for the transition.

“I don’t intend to meet with every regional council – it simply isn’t practical,” Bishop said.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A resource consent for a service station to be built on some of New Zealand’s most fertile soils, beside the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, has been lodged with the Hastings District Council.

Hamachek Holdings’ plans for the site on the corner of State Highway 2 and Evenden Rd, Twyford, include a truck stop, service station, retail service area, cafe and fruit shop facilities.

A public notice of the project said about 29,570m3 of earthworks would be required to build the centre.

It would have four-lanes of pumps at a truck stop, eight lanes of pumps on a service station forecourt, underground petrol and diesel tanks, EV charging stations.

It would also require a two-way combined entry and exit access from Evenden Rd, road widening and changes to the SH2 and Evenden Rd roundabout.

The plans also include 62 carparks, 12 truck parks, loading spaces and pedestrian footpaths.

The land is classed as Plains Production land, a council zoning that recognises it as a place with nationally significant growing soils.

Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said everyone could now have their say before a decision was made.

“That openness is a strength of the system as it ensures people can be heard and decisions are made with a clear understanding of our community’s values,” Schollum said.

“This proposal is classed as a non-complying activity, which means it must meet a very high bar to be approved.

“The Heretaunga Plains are among the most fertile soils in the country, and our District Plan is designed to protect that while allowing fair consideration of any application under the law.”

The rear of the site was currently occupied by a residential dwelling, while the front was used for horticultural purposes.

Hamachek said in resource consent documents it had consulted with multiple organisations about its plans, including adjacent landowners Delegat’s Winery, which raised concerns about proximity, night-time activity, light spill, and visual impact on winery operations.

The documents also show community group Save the Plains acknowledged the value of a truck stop somewhere on the Expressway, but opposed the use of Plains Production Zone land at Hamachek’s preferred location.

Submissions to Hastings District Council on the resource consent application close at 5pm on December 3.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The chance to shape the future of the Tōmoana Showgrounds in Hastings has arrived, and a man who wants it to include a park for giant pandas says he’ll be taking the opportunity to revive his vision.

The Hastings District Council, which purchased the showgrounds from the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society in 2023, is asking residents to help shape a 10-year master plan for its future.

For Max Patmoy, it’s another opportunity to get his ambitious plans for Pandaland across the line.

Patmoy, a retired Hawke’s Bay businessman, last November announced a bid to build a new tourism and conservation park in a $17.5 million facility which would house two giant panda bears on loan from China.

It would be a one-of-a-kind facility in New Zealand and Patmoy’s preferred location was Hastings, which has a sister city, Guilin, in China.

He said at the time “there are a lot of barriers, but none that are impenetrable”.

Patmoy said he met last year with the then Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst and Hastings District Council CEO Nigel Bickle to present his vision and request the use of a portion of the Tōmoana Showgrounds for $1 a year.

“I was shown the door,” Patmoy said.

“I’ve had more feasibility studies done since then, so I’m going to have another go at presenting my plan to a different mayor.”

He said he had also presented it to Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith and had a meeting with the new Napier City Council Mayor Richard McGrath later this month.

The Napier council is seeking expressions of interest for the future ownership, operation, or redevelopment of the National Aquarium of NZ, which Patmoy believes could also be another strong spot for Pandaland.

The future of the aquarium is being weighed up due to the cost to ratepayers and ageing facilities.

Hastings mayor Wendy Schollum said the plan for the showgrounds wasn’t about spending big.

“It’s about thinking smart and exploring ways the showrounds can serve our people’s aspirations while helping to pay its own way through events, recreation, and activities which will keep it vibrant and loved for generations to come.

“Ideas that would change the showgrounds’ character, such as housing or large-scale commercial development, aren’t on the table.

“We’re asking our community to help shape what the future looks like, but there are some clear boundaries.

“The showgrounds will stay in public ownership, continue to host iconic events and activities like the Farmers’ Market, and remain a place people can freely enjoy,” Schollum said.

When the A&P Society held its first show at the site in 1925, it was called the Tōmoana Showground.

The name slipped from common usage and was eventually referred to as the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds.

In 2017, the official name was reinstated and welcomed by the Tōmoana whānau, whose ancestor Henare Tōmoana once owned 20,000 acres of the Heretaunga land.

Tamatea Pōkai Whenua said the showgrounds was a landscape rich in memory, connection, and enduring community spirit.

Chairperson Pōhatu Paku acknowledged the Tōmoana whānau.

“They, alongside other prominent whānau, have long been leaders, hosts, and unwavering supporters of this community.

“We recognise the importance of honouring the past while embracing the opportunities that lie ahead,” Paku said.

“The showgrounds stand as a reminder of what can be achieved when whānau, hapū, and community come together in unity and purpose – a legacy that Tamatea Pōkai Whenua is very proud of.”

The plan is being prepared on behalf of Hastings District Council and the Tōmoana Showgrounds Charitable Trust, which was established to manage the showgrounds following its purchase.

It will guide how the 40ha site is used, balancing heritage, culture, events, recreation, and sustainability.

Former Hastings mayor and Trust chairwoman Sandra Hazlehurst said consultation with the community and stakeholders, including mana whenua, leaseholders, and event coordinators, would ensure the plan reflected the way people use and value the showgrounds.

“The showgrounds has long been a place where our rural and urban lives come together, from the A&P Show and Horse of the Year, to the farmers’ market, concerts and events. We want residents to tell us what they love about the space, what could be improved, and what they’d like to see in the future,” she said.

It will also help determine the types of reserve status applied to ensure it remains a publicly owned green space for generations to come.

Schollum said for her, the annual A&P Show was the closest thing Hastings had to Disneyland.

“The showgrounds had the rides, the animals, and that sense of wonder,” she said.

“I still remember the thrill of the spinning top rides, learning about our agricultural sector, and the joy of holding baby chicks for the first time.”

The decision to buy the land received strong public support, with more than 90 percent of submitters backing the move to secure it for the community.

Residents can provide their feedback online on the Hastings District Council’s website or fill in a written submission at one of the Hastings libraries, or at Council’s customer service centre in Lyndon Rd, by midnight on 16 November.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

One of Auckland’s popular walking tracks has suffered significant damage from a fire on Sunday, which has forced its closure ‒ just over a year after it re-opened to the public.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand were called to a vegetation fire at Fairy Falls Track in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park about 8am on Sunday.

The fire, which firefighters had to walk 25 minutes into the track to put out, was about 150m by 75m big ‒ larger than a soccer field, or three Olympic-sized swimming pools laid end-to-end.

FENZ said the damage was significant.

Auckland Council western principal ranger Dave Markham said the fire destroyed a large platform near a popular swimming hole, as well as about 80m of stairs.

It also damaged a bridge that crossed the waterfall.

“All of these structures were recently installed to enable visitors to return in September 2024,” Markham said.

Fairy Falls Track re-opened in September 2024 after being closed for six years to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease through the ranges.

The council spent $1.6 million to renew it before its grand opening last year.

Markham said they were grateful to FENZ for their hard work in containing the fire at a busy time of the year.

The track was now closed, and while the cost of damages was yet to be assessed, he said they would get to it as soon as the initial clean-up was completed.

“We’re extremely disappointed that, so close to summer, we’ve been forced to close this much-loved track.

“Fires in our regional parks are always devastating, but this one is particularly heartbreaking after all the work that went into renewing this track so we could reopen it last summer.”

Markham urged visitors not to light fires at regional parks.

“Our regional parks are precious taonga that we all have a responsibility to look after and protect for future generations.

“They are all smoke-free and fires are banned. I strongly urge visitors to think about whether their actions may impact on how we care for these beautiful areas – please don’t ever light fires.”

A FENZ spokesperson said its investigations into the cause of the blaze was still ongoing.

Six crews responded to the Sunday call, and the fire was fully extinguished about 12.45pm.

Meanwhile, multiple regional park paths in Auckland has been restored and reopened in the past six months, in time for summer.

All 54 tracks within northern regional parks are open, and only two of 25 tracks in the southern region parks network remain closed.

Of the 11 western regional park tracks that are closed, only three need further investigation and funding to determine the next steps.

Fairy Falls Track, Fletcher Track, Parau, Panto and Farley tracks and Whatitiri Track remain closed to the public.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A South Auckland community has won its battle against a new liquor store opening in its neighbourhood.

The Auckland District Licensing Committee (DLC) has declined an application from SSB 2024 to revive an off-licence bottle shop at 70 Russell Rd, Manurewa.

The site, which is the old Black Bull Liquor Manurewa, is situated close to 16 early childhood centres and three schools – the closest, Manurewa Intermediate, is directly next door.

There are also five alcohol outlets within a 1km radius in the decile 10 area – one of the most deprived areas in New Zealand.

The application had received 49 objections from residents, police, and the medical officer of health and inspector.

Resident Aimalefoa Patelesio Ioane said when the previous store closed, they noticed a huge improvement on their streets.

“When the (old) liquor store was open, I would never let my kids go to the dairy alone,” she said. “Last month I let my 4-year-old walk there with his older siblings, something I never would have allowed previously.”

She said the streets were now quieter and peaceful, and they had seen a decline of public drinking and alcohol-fuelled violence in the area.

In its decision released on Tuesday, the committee noted the applicant wasn’t suitable to operate an off-licence in the area.

Company director Satinderjit Singh Batth had not consulted with the community, and had not felt the need to when pressed on it during a hearing in September.

Batth maintained he had a long-standing connection to South Auckland, having lived in the area for many years. He also cited his experience at Liquor Centre Hall Ave in Māngere, which was owned by his father and which he managed for over a decade as evidence of his familiarity with the industry and local community.

Committee chairperson Gavin Campbell ruled that while Batth was not obliged to consult the community, he appeared unaware of its concerns. The application drew numerous public objections, including a demonstration outside the shop in August.

According to the Auckland Council’s Local Alcohol Policy (LAP), the site for the proposed shop was in a Neighbourhood Centre Zone, which has added protection against new off-licences.

Campbell said the DLC had no doubt Batth was an experienced manager and was well qualified, however he did not meet the extended suitability test, given the vulnerability of the area.

“We do not see that reliance on experience and being raised in South Auckland alone is a sufficient argument to rebut the provisions of the LAP.”

Documents from September’s hearing highlighted concerns from residents, who spoke about the deprivation level of the area and exposure of tamariki and rangatahi to alcohol.

Christina Morunga drew from personal experience, outlining matters like drinking on the streets, litter and persistent begging.

Ezekiel Robson’s primary concern was the proposed location.

“There are plenty of other places to buy alcohol in Manurewa. I believe that alcohol from existing outlets already has a negative effect on the area.”

Approached by Local Democracy Reporting, Batth said he had not seen the decision and was not able to comment.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A spokesperson for insurer IAG described the region as having been ‘hit hard’, with claims in all four districts mostly relating to wind damage.

A total of 200 claims were made, with Masterton having the highest number at 60 – mostly from the weather event on 21 October. South Wairarapa was next highest at 56 claims, most from high winds on 23 October. Carterton property owners made 44 claims, and Tararua 40.

Damage to fences, gutters and sheds were most commonly reported.

A spokesperson for Carterton council confirmed a claim had been made for damage to the Wairarapa Event Centre’s roof in Carterton. The damage meant a change of venue for a dance performance had been necessary.

Spokespeople for South Wairarapa and Masterton councils said they did not intend to make claims, with council property sustaining only minimal damage.

While there was damage to council property in Tararua, the estimated repair costs were below the council’s insurance excess, and a claim was unlikely.

While Wairarapa had a large number of claims, a statement from IAG said the South Island had sustained the most significant damage.

AMI, State and NZI executive general manager for claims, Stephannie Ferris said the insurers had received more than 3,300 claims for weather and fire events in October. Claims were across home, contents, motor and commercial policies.

“From the significant, gale-force winds alone that mainly affected the Southland, Otago, Canterbury and Wellington regions, we have received 2209 claims,” she said.

For all claims, including non-wind related storm damage, Canterbury policy holders made 481 claims, Southland 1,129, Otago 615, and Wellington 570. Across the rest of New Zealand 566 claims were lodged.

“Most of the damage we have seen has been caused by wind damage,” she said.

“We’ve accepted claims for things like smashed windows and flying roofs.”

She said insurers were able to help with things like emergency temporary accommodation, payment support for customers staying with family or friends, and help with lodging claims.

For land damaged in the weather event, the insurers could also lodge a claim with the natural hazards commission as part of an insurance claim.

Ferris said general advice for people whose property is damaged during a storm or by flooding is to first ensure they and their whānau are safe.

After that, people need to make a claim as soon as they are able to. This is especially the case where homes become uninhabitable or temporary accommodation is needed.

People should not return to their homes or businesses until it’s safe to do so, she said.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A West Coast community group has joined forces with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to reopen a historic tramway and restore one of the region’s best-loved day walks, connecting Hector and Seddonville.

The southern half of the popular Charming Creek Walkway, about 45km north of Westport, has been closed by multiple slips since 2019.

DOC’s regional director Owen Kilgour told the West Coast (Tai Poutini) Conservation Board this month that the route could never reopen.

It was a tough call to make, but there were now 19 slips on the track, and it could not be made safe, he said.

“It’s a damn shame — but the community has picked the ball up.

“They’ve got volunteers keen to open up the old tramway route that runs through to Hector and we are working with that group on a community agreement.”

Community Action Northern Buller (CANB) co-ordinator Jo Douglas, told Local Democracy Reporting that local people mourning their favourite walk had been hunting around for an alternative route for some time.

“Some of them had been tramping around looking for options since 2019 when the track first closed.

“DOC did try to reopen it, but a digger got buried in a slip — it’s still there.

“It’s really dangerous, some people still walk there even though it’s closed, and it looks benign but it’s not.

“Even 50 metres from the entrance there are trees hanging over the track, and a massive slump just waiting to come down.”

About 40 years ago, when she was a possum hunter, Ms Douglas heard about another old track up to the old Watsons mill site, that came down onto the northern half of the track, just after the swing bridge.

“It’s a tramway, used to haul timber – at least a hundred years old. A few people knew about, but all the access points were on private land, and previous owners didn’t want people tracking over their property.”

But new owners Heather and Lewis Holland had supported the idea of restoring the old tramway, and an online survey by CANB had drawn an enthusiastic response, not just from locals but people in Christchurch and Nelson who were keen to help and had joined up as members.

DOC had agreed it was feasible to reopen the tramway but was concerned to protect some parts of it, Ms Douglas said.

“Quite a lot of it is still intact.

“Bridges and tunnels have fallen but we can divert around them. The biggest problem will be that it goes through an ecological zone country with rare trees like yellow pine, that has a really high form of protection.”

For that reason and to preserve heritage, the new southern half of the track would have to be for trampers only, not cyclists, she said.

The access route was steep in places, and the tramway had a steady incline, climbing to 200 metres above sea level, staying above the risk of landslides.

The group had begun cutting the new track through the private land access and had invited search and rescue workers to inspect it, Ms Douglas said.

“We’re mostly retired people, so there’s plenty of opportunity for us to cark it one way or other or come to grief so we needed to know if we can be rescued,” she joked.

“But I can get up there with sticks, on my bad knees – so it’s no problem for younger fit people.”

LandSAR confirmed the track was wide enough for a wheelie stretcher, but they would have to rope and belay a patient in some places, Ms Douglas said.

DOC had no money for new tracks and had costed the new 4 kilometre route at $40,000.

The volunteers would be saving DOC that cost but would still need to raise about half that amount for predator control and Good Nature traps, as part of their agreement with DOC, Ms Douglas said.

Since May the volunteers had put in nearly 900 hours of work and if all went as planned, the route from Hector to Seddonville should be open again by the end of next year, she said.

“We do want to celebrate the history of the place, the early pioneers, the Watsons, but also want to write about our experience of doing it because it is a journey in itself and will also be history in another 20 years.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand