The North Island will lose one electorate for the 2026 election due to population growth discrepancies, with Epsom being a likely candidate for abolition. Epsom currently falls below the minimum population threshold, requiring an additional 5,162 people to meet the required number of constituents. The Representation Commission will redraw electoral boundaries to ensure equal population distribution among electorates, potentially leading to Epsom’s elimination.
Full Article
Wind-farm decision delayed | Otago Daily Times Online News
The decision on whether to approve the Southland wind farm in Slopedown has been delayed until February 19, as Contact Energy proposed building a 55-turbine wind farm near Wyndham. A three-person panel was established to review the fast-track proposal and invited submissions from various parties, but concerns were raised about the rushed nature of the decision process. Contact Energy had requested a delay to next year and has now been granted an extension of up...
Read more