Linda Hall

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Linda Hall

One of New Zealand’s leading economic commentators, Brad Olsen, says people wouldn't like councils to stop paying contractors and consultants completely. The wage bills being racked up by councils around Hawke’s Bay look high, but they’re hard to contextualise and it would be hard to argue what an acceptable amount is, a business expert says. Figures, attained by Local Democracy, show five Hawke’s Bay councils spent in total more than $434 million on people costs in 2024.

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Linda Hall

Wooden barriers along Napier’s Marine Parade are preventing fishermen from accessing the beach. For some, carrying heavy gear down to the beach is not possible. Steve Dean says he’ll be driving the long way along the beach to his usual fishing spot, despite what he perceives as a threat of a $400 fine. His access has been blocked by wooden barriers erected by Napier City Council on Marine Parade between the National Aquarium of NZ and the Pump Track. “The council is treating us like sheep.

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Linda Hall

Hastings district councillor Malcolm Dixon with his wife Jean with their grandchildren. Hastings district councillor Malcolm Dixon says 12 years at the table is enough, and it’s time to retire. “I’ve enjoyed my time on the council, but my grandchildren are growing up fast and I want to spend time with them and the rest of my family.” He would like to see new faces around the table in 2025 - in the 50 to 60-year-old range with experience in finance, business and engineering.

2 weeks ago | 1news.co.nz | Linda Hall

A Napier City Council staff member — although not caught up in a planned restructure of more than 100 jobs — says staff morale is now so low that he’s looking for a way out. "This no longer feels like the organisation I loved," he told Hawke’s Bay Today on Wednesday. The council confirmed on Tuesday it was reviewing its organisational structure and consulting with staff on a proposal to reshape its four directorates.

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Linda Hall

Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise said the process was part of a wider effort to deliver $3 million in labour savings for the 2025/26 financial year. Photo / Napier City CouncilA Napier City Council staff member not caught up in a planned restructure of more than 100 jobs says staff morale is now so low that he’s looking for a way out. “This no longer feels like the organisation I loved,” he told Hawke’s Bay Today on Wednesday.