The Integrated Transport Strategy outlines our vision, and strategic direction for responding to Lower Hutt’s growing transport challenges. It outlines an integrated approach to delivering land use planning, transport planning, investment and encouraging behaviour change within Lower Hutt. Have your say on the Intergrated Transport Strategy   

As you might be aware, the Government is proposing to reform how three waters services are managed and delivered across Aotearoa New Zealand. Currently, these services – drinking water, waste water, and storm water – are delivered by 67 councils, and the Government is proposing to consolidate these services under 4 publicly-owned entities instead. We all need reliable access to safe drinking water, and we also have a responsibility to look after our environment. These reforms have been proposed following the death of four people in Havelock North in 2016, where 35 people were also hospitalised and many more fell ill after consuming contaminated water. Analysis by the government suggests

The Government passed a law in late 2021 to allow housing up to three storeys high in most residential areas, without requiring council planning permission (resource consent). Council is also required to allow housing of at least six storeys within walking distance of our train stations, the CBD and the Petone commercial area. More housing (also known as intensification) will also be allowed in residential areas such as the suburban centres of Avalon, Eastbourne, Moera, Stokes Valley and Wainuiomata. Council is only able to limit these requirements in specific circumstances such as identified natural hazard and heritage areas. This law means a change to council’s