Local Democracy Reporter

28 Dec 2023

Call for GDC discussions ‘in full view’ of public

A Gisborne district councillor is calling for increased transparency around workshops following a stern word from the Ombudsman to some councils around the country. In October, chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier released findings on his investigation...

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21 Dec 2023

Data gap raises concerns over housing for former prisoners

A lack of data held by the Department of Corrections on accommodation for former prisoners has raised concern among law and criminology experts as new research details the social cost of unstable housing. In July,

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21 Dec 2023

Councillor calls meeting frequency into question

Concerns have been raised by a Gisborne district councillor about a perceived lack of scheduled meetings for the year ahead. On Thursday, councillors adopted their schedule for 2024 which proposed a six-weekly meeting cycle. The report prepared for...

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19 Dec 2023

Township upgrades or city cycle and walkway?

Gisborne district councillors have spoken strongly in favour of boosting township upgrades at the expense of a shared path extension in the city. At a full council meeting on Thursday, a council staff update on Three Waters Better Off Funding...

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16 Dec 2023

Sarge investigation shows ‘human error’, communication issues

An investigation into the death of a Gisborne dog at the hands of council staff has detailed the sad state the animal was returned to its owners in. On September 22, family pet Sarge was euthanised by Gisborne District Council staff after being...

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14 Dec 2023

District council preparing transport plan

Important work guiding transport planning in Tairāwhiti is gearing up for public consultation at the end of summer. Every six years, Gisborne District Council produces a Regional Land Transport Plan which details the region’s priorities and...

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12 Dec 2023

‘Consultation fatigue’ phenomenon raised by two Māori ward councillors

The stress of “consultation fatigue” is being felt by tangata whenua, according to two Māori ward councillors who have spoken out at recent meetings. At a Sustainable Tairāwhiti meeting last week, the phenomenon was identified in a progress...

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06 Dec 2023

GDC plan for ‘active travel’ network plan

Gisborne is one step closer to becoming a more sustainable transport city as the district council works to boost options for cyclists and walkers. On Wednesday, elected members heard about upcoming plans which would help the community ditch private...

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02 Dec 2023

GDC looking at reset of city bus network

Gisborne’s bus network could be set for a shake-up amid declining passenger numbers and plummeting income from fares. Gisborne District Council provides public transport to the city through three services — an urban network, school network and...

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02 Dec 2023

Asbestos delaying Olympics demolition

A control plan for asbestos at the Olympic Pool complex is under review ahead of demolition works beginning next year. Both the 50 metre lap pool and administration building are set to be levelled at the complex following the September opening of...

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29 Nov 2023

GDC faces queries over availability of records for informal meetings

Minutes for Gisborne District Council workshops, which are effectively held in secret, are not as readily available as indicated by the mayor. Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier last month released findings of an investigation into eight councils where...

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