Local Council
Council staff's lack of financial knowledge led to rates blunder - report
Plymouth District Council could have lost $20 million in revenue over a GST error.
Finance Minister on inflation, butter prices
In which Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks inflation, Kaeo's water and "whining" councils Audio
'Plague of hoons' - motorcyclists trash Tauranga parks
LDR's Alisha Evans tells us about Tauranga's "plague of hoons" Audio
Mayor steps down after cancer diagnosis
"Given the uncertainty surrounding my health, I cannot fully commit to serving our community in the years ahead," Mackenzie District's Anne Munro says.
ECan chair rebuffs government's directive to stop planning
Environment Canterbury chairperson Craig Pauling says councils need to keep thinking about planning, despite the RMA Reform Minister putting a halt to district and regional plans.
Gareth Morgan's new giant public art park set to open in Spring
If you've travelled along Transmission Gully, north of Poneke Wellington - you might have noticed through your side window giant objects starting to pop up on the western hills north of Pauatahanui… Audio
Council calls for tougher dog laws, rescuers overwhelmed
Auckland Council impounded more than 12,000 dogs last year - more than half were euthanised. Frontline rescuers and local leaders say the crisis requires immediate on-the-ground action and law reform.
Call for wider consultation on memorial for patients' unmarked graves
Porirua's Pacific community wants more consultation on a memorial for more than 1800 former patients buried in unmarked graves.
Departing councillor: 'Social media abuse has got out of hand'
A long-serving local body councillor has called it quits, blaming government input and "contempt", and social media abuse.
$25,000 spent making bridge more comfortable for dogs
Paw-friendly panels have been added to a new water pipe bridge in Wellington.
'Woman's voice' Diane Calvert joins Wellington mayoral race
The councillor says she's running for the mayoralty, saying she is concerned about the "tone, the tactics and the lack of focus" in the campaign so far.
Wellington footbridge faces demolition after earthquake closure
The adjoining Amora Hotel has been closed since 2017 and the bridge has attracted anti-social behaviour since.
Govt move to scrap 'four wellbeings' could undermine council stability - officials warn
Critics argue removing councils' wellbeing priorities may lower costs, but will also reduce local autonomy and risk Treaty settlement fallout. Audio
Sand mine approved near Hokitika
The Westland Mineral Sands site will be about eight kilometres from the town and cover 112 hectares.
Tauranga's Baypark speedway lease extended to 2039
Speedway will continue to race at Baypark in Tauranga giving the sport "certainty and longevity".
Marlborough council defies Govt to push ahead with airport safety plan
The district council says it will continue planning airport safety protections, despite government moves to freeze all environment plan changes under RMA law. Audio
Bill aimed at getting councils costs down passes first reading
Legislation aimed at getting local councils to keep their costs down has passed its first reading coinciding with this year's Local Government conference in Christchurch. Political reporter Russell… Audio
Council $3.1m rates blunder: New Plymouth households could be overcharged by $102
New Plymouth District Council hiked residential rates 12.8 percent instead of 9.9 percent, prompting an apology and calls for a one-off rebate. Audio
The big issues for Auckland's leaders
Auckland's rapid population growth is considered one of the key challenges for incoming council elected members, a report has revealed.
ACT, NZ First cast doubt on capping council rates
"You've got to be able to control the costs first", said Seymour when asked about issue .
