Wellington City Council

Wellington City Council is walking a tightrope as it considers amending its Long Term Plan, with 14 projects and programmes on the chopping block.

Earlier this month councillors voted to stop the sale of their 34 percent stake in Wellington Airport.

At the same time, Mayor Whanau refuted claims of financial mismanagement at the council, and has accused the government of “punching down”.

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced he plans to appoint a Crown Observer to Wellington City Council

Wellington’s mayor says ministers are “right to be concerned from what they’ve seen” after threats of possible government intervention, but denies it is a shambles.

Stuart Crosby said the problems appeared to have been building for some time.

When Mills asked Whanau if she “actually” feels the economic challenges, she acknowledged her privilege.

Māori Councilors and Local government figures alike are not happy with the recently announced referendum on Māori Wards.

But she's looking forward to working with Local Government Minister Simeon Brown, she says.