Thursday, 04 December 2025 12:25

Political colours

Written by The Hound

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OPINION: Your old mate welcomes the proposed changes to local government but notes it drew responses that ranged from the reasonable to the ridiculous, depending on what axe people had to grind.

Dr Deon Swiggs, chair of Canterbury Regional Council was measured: “I’m committed to working constructively with Government on reforms that deliver better outcomes.”

Fed Farmers spokesperson Sandra Faulkner was positive: “This discussion is long overdue and will be welcome news for farming families and rural ratepayers.”

But, predictably, and in line with other unions, the PSA’s national secretary Duane Leo had absolutely nothing positive to say about National’s proposal: “There is no clarity around the reform. These reforms continue the Government’s ongoing focus on marginalising Maori in local decision making.”

No surprises there!

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