Blog
Notes on local government issues
Independent hearing commissioners are coming to a town near you!
Introduction David McMahon is an accredited Independent Hearing Commissioner and resource management consultant at RMG with particular expertise in statutory planning and process. He has been a Commissioner since 2001, and has worked on a large number...
Risk management is key to the new health and safety legislation
Here are Anne Churcher's responses to questions about the change from a hazard to a risk management focus in the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, and the implications for councils and council-funded organisations. Anne Churcher (www.acaudit.co.nz) has...
Bylaw powers vary — from strict to toothless
One of the complications of bylaws is the different enforcement provisions that apply, depending on the activity being regulated. Bylaws are taken far more seriously when infringement fines apply. However, this enforcement measure can only be taken where there is...
How to keep chickens in cities
There has been a huge resurgence in the numbers of people choosing to keep chickens in cities, say Fionna and Gordon Appleton, of Appletons Animal Housing and Poultry Supplies. The two groups most interested in keeping chooks are young families and retirees. Young...