After we had to request them under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA), Waipa District Council has provided us with copies of its publication On the Radar from January to July. It is the council’s fortnightly hub for what it says is essential information, updates and reminders about upcoming projects and programmes.
On the Radar replaced the information only reports which used to appear in council agendas from which publications like Good Local Media were able to source news stories. Council resolved to remove them at its meeting on January 29, 2025 and at the same time voted to move its meetings from Tuesdays to Wednesdays, after The News’ deadline.
See: Candidate calls for council transparency
The council’s review showed the bulk of the information was retrospective, operational and/or had already been made public via media releases and social media.
We have requested On the Radar issues 13, 14 and 15.
Read: The News election coverage and candidate profiles
* There is a reference to “Wendy Embling of Simpson Grierson”. This is incorrect and should read “Wendy Embling of Tompkins Wake”.
