Infrastructure
Labour spokesperson on water costs for councils
Residents in the Waitaki District could face a rates rise of almost 40 percent, after pulling out of South Island Water Done Well. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 28 August 2025
In today's episode, Meridian is eyeing fast track approval to power up its energy generation; The government is hoping its new plans to fast-track more supermarkets will help to put a lid on the cost… Audio
High-growth areas see demand for extra schools
It's the half-way point of a 10-year spurt in student numbers and the Education Ministry has added less than half the extra classrooms and schools it said would be needed in high-growth areas… Audio
Meridian Energy chief executive on high power prices
Meridian is eyeing fast track approval to power up its energy generation. Meridian chief executive Mike Roan spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Waitaki facing 38 percent rates increase to pay for water
A South Island mayor says he's failed his ratepayers who are facing an almost 40 percent increase in rates over the next two years to pay for water. Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
…Mayor warns of huge rates hike after council quits joint water plan
A ratepayers group in Waitaki backs its district council's independent water plan - despite the mayor lamenting that he has failed ratepayers.
Fast ferry between Wellington and Marlborough proposed
An iwi and construction consortium is proposing a public-private partnership for a multi-use ferry terminal and port at Marlborough's Clifford Bay. CB Port director Stephen Grice spoke to Corin Dann.
…The law student who took on Auckland Transport and won
The 20-year-old took the agency to court over 'unlawful' speed bumps. Audio
Bowel Cancer NZ on long wait times for colonoscopies
Thousands of people are opting to pay for their own colonoscopies as wait times blow out on the public system. Bowel Cancer NZ's medical advisor and surgeon Dr Frank Frizelle spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Westport dentist on lack of dental services in town
Last week we brought you the story of Westport's search for a dentist, and area with10,000 people currently served by just one dental surgeon. Kawatiri Health Dental Clinic's Leanne Coleman spoke to… Audio
Mum battles red tape to get help for child with OCD
A child who spent months in a psychiatric hospital with a severe obsessive compulsive disorder was sent home and offered just an hour of therapy a week. Ruth Hill reports. Audio
PM, Mayor and Transport Minister mark start of multi-million-dollar overbridge projects
Eight level crossings at Takanini and Glen Innes will be replaced with three road bridges and three pedestrian bridges.
Mayor wants 'cost-effective' wildlife management for second bridge
Neil Brown says lizards and birds will choose to move to make way for Ashburton's second bridge.
Port of Auckland works first project to get consent under fast-track regime
The government is celebrating the first project to get consent under the coalition's fast-track regime.
Drones could cut lines charges for Aucklanders' power bills
Drones will be used to check on what is needed before linesman head up power poles.
Ugly or icon? New Plymouth's redundant power station chimney
The 198-metre stack, once the tallest structure in New Zealand, hasn't been used in two decades. Audio
Legislation to implement Three Waters replacement passes third reading
National MP Ryan Hamilton hailed the legislation, saying "hello localism, and choice" while Te Pāti Māori MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi called it "an atrocious piece of work."
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 19th August 2025
In today's episode, Donald Trump hopes there will be a chance for a trilateral meeting between himself, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after a meeting… Audio
'Build back better' - How the road to Piha was finally restored
Explainer - More than two years after Cyclone Gabrielle, the popular main road to Auckland's Piha is opening again. Here's how they did it. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 19 August 2025
In today's episode, the government's shaking up building consenting, with the goal of delivering cheaper and easier builds; Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting with US President Donald… Audio
