Newsline 19 March 2026
Granny flats exemption requires careful research
New legislation passed on Thursday 15 January 2026 allows small stand-alone dwellings (granny flats) to be built without a building consent. However, you must obtain a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from Council before starting any work on a non-consented small stand-alone dwelling.
Pool fencing inspections starting soon
Anyone with a swimming pool will know that it’s a legal requirement to fence off the pool area to keep young children safe. We will soon begin our next round of swimming pool fence inspections. Now is the time to check if your fence is compliant.
Simplifying local government – explained
This is the third article in our ongoing series explaining the Government’s proposed reforms for local government. Our earlier articles outlined the rates‑capping proposals and the upcoming changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA). This week, we turn to the Government’s idea of what simplified local government looks like.
Ross Waugh appointed as independent chair of Water Services Committee
Council has appointed Ross Waugh as the new Independent Chair of our in-house Water Services Committee (WSC), following a robust appointment process focused on securing high‑calibre, independent expertise to support the governance of the district’s water services.
