Wellington, Oct 6 NZPA - A big rural lobby, Federated Farmers, says it is battling for changes to the way that councils are funded.

Wellington, Sept 16 NZPA - Many economists are expecting the official cash rate (OCR) to stay at 3 percent for the rest of 2010, with the Reserve Bank leaving it unchanged today.

Wellington, Sept 16 NZPA - The Reserve Bank has left official interest rates unchanged at 3 percent, taking into account the Canterbury earthquake and a softening outlook for economic growth.

Wellington, July 27 NZPA - Aucklanders could face hefty costs for the formation of the new super city.

Wellington, July 26 NZPA - An examination of local government and its role -- including further amalgamations -- was announced by Local Government Minister Rodney Hide this morning.

Wellington, June 24 NZPA - If Auckland Mayor John Banks manages to win the super city mayoralty in October he can expect a pay rise of almost $80,000.

Wellington, June 18 NZPA - Tourism could be hit hard if local councils stop investing in it, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says.

Wellington, June 14 NZPA - A thousands-strong water protest in Christchurch yesterday has not weakened the Government's stance over its decision to sort Environment Canterbury's (Ecan) management problems itself.

Wellington, June 3 NZPA - Discussion about the cost of looming redundancies resulting from the merging of councils in Auckland is premature and unfair to staff who are affected by the changes, says Local Government Minister Rodney Hide.

Wellington, June 2 NZPA - The Government has accepted a Labour Party amendment to the bill that sets up Auckland's new super city council. It will force Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) to hold at least two public meetings a year.