by Ian Apperley
As we head toward the general election, we’ve yet to see the Wellington candidates come to the fore. Wellington seems to be missing from the agenda so far; however we can be sure that as we approach the magical date it will warm up. Read more »

News from State Services Commission
State Services Commissioner Peter Hughes has today published the report of the investigation into the treatment of Public Servants within the Ministry of Transport who raised concerns about the conduct of jailed fraudster Joanne Harrison. Read more »

News from British High Commission
After years of work with Weta Workshop, the British High Commission has revealed the final design of the United Kingdom’s presence in Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. Read more »

News from UnitedFuture
A new road tunnel from Ngauranga to Glenside to link up with Transmission Gully is being proposed by Ohariu MP Peter Dunne. Read more »

Press Release – Local Government NZ
The Independent Assessment Board which oversees the new local government excellence programme CouncilMARK™ has today released the Porirua City Council assessment report. Read more »

News from WCC
Shoppers at Wellington’s waterfront markets will be offered free reusable shopping bags as an alternative to plastic bags this Sunday 23 July, thanks to a collaborative effort between the market and the Wellington City Council. Read more »

by Kerry Wood
The Regional Council is consulting on a new public transport hub at Johnsonville. After seeing the papers, I didn’t bother: no adequate options and no opportunity for debate. Read more »

News from Local Government Commission
Local Government Commission Chair Sir Wira Gardiner says the fate of a final proposal released today – for a combined Wairarapa District Council – lies in the hands of the Wairarapa public. Read more »

Media release from Te Papa
Te Papa staff are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dr Cliff Whiting, who was instrumental in establishing Te Papa as Aotearoa New Zealand’s national museum. Read more »

News from DOC
Scott Brown, Ambassador of the United States of America to New Zealand, today visited Kapiti Island to see the work his Embassy has done supporting seabird recovery. Read more »

News from Porirua City Council
It’s official – Porirua’s weather is warmer than we’ve been led to believe. Read more »

Press Release – Greater Wellington Regional Council
The Regional Council is looking for spade aid this weekend – it wants the people of Kapiti to dig deep for the future by planting 5000 trees in Queen Elizabeth Park in just four hours. Read more »

Press Release – Benefit Rights Service
Graham Howell, spokesperson for the Wellington-based Benefit Rights Service welcomes the news that processing of the Working for Families is to be stream-lined. He says: Read more »

News from WCC
The Wellington City Council has adopted an initiative to encourage cafes, bars and restaurants with outdoor dining areas to go smokefree by offering free outdoor dining licence fees for 2017-2018. Read more »

News from NZ Labour Party
Otaki Labour Candidate Rob McCann is calling on the Horowhenua District Council to halt the sale of the Pensioner Flats following revelations leaked from an internal Audit Report, and has asked the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate. Read more »

News from Wellington City Council
First World War Queen Elisabeth Medal recipient Elizabeth Pinfold will be honoured this Friday with the unveiling of a plaque by the Belgian Ambassador Jean-Luc Bodson at her restored grave in Karori Cemetery. Read more »

News from Roy Morgan Research
In July New Zealand’s opposition Labour/Greens has jumped 4.5% to 44%, now just ahead of incumbent National on 43% (down 3.5%) following the scandal involving National MP Todd Barclay. But NZ First is again in the box seat. Read more »

News from NZ Government
Wellington public servant and barrister and solicitor Gerardus van Bohemen has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, AttorneyGeneral Christopher Finlayson announced today. Read more »