Local Council
Local board shake-up 'detrimental' to South Auckland communities
Two local representatives are pushing back against Auckland Council's proposal to combine boards to cut costs.
The region with a targeted rates increase of 539 percent
West Coast ratepayers face targeted rates well above the 27 percent or 44 percent general rates increase proposed by the regional council - particularly in Westport.
Dealing with fast spreading pest hits new milestone for Otago Regional Council
Efforts to remove wilding conifers from the Queenstown Lakes have hit a major milestone, shifting from management to maintenance only.
Wellington council 'excluded' from information about ageing rail network, chair says
The chairperson of Greater Wellington Regional Council says it wants more information about rail network renewals to keep commuters moving safe and efficiently.
Cantabrians divided over future of cathedral
A gothic wreck or an icon of the city that needs to be restored, no matter the cost?
The Christchurch Cathedral Reinstatement Trust says the cost of restoring the quake-hit cathedral has jumped by… Audio
Business closures causing concern in Ashburton
Jonathan Leask is our local reporter in Ashburton and he told us there's one final hurdle to be jumped for a new multi-million dollar equine centre at Lake Hood. Audio
Do New Plymouth's otters really need a new $1.5m home?
Brooklands Zoo is planning a major makeover - but not everyone is impressed with the cost.
Security to patrol bridge after rowdy parties
The antisocial behaviour was so bad residents took matters into their own hands and blocked off access to the road with a makeshift barge.
'We will not be silenced': Gisborne council backs Māori wards
Gisborne District Council has shown its support for retaining Māori wards as the government looks to bring back binding referendums.
Ratepayers must decide: 27% rates hike, or 44%?
West Coast ratepayers face an either 27 percent or 44 percent rates hike after increases were "held artificially low for too long".
Viv Beck on extra money given to fight CBD crime
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has announced an extra $570,000 to help fight crime in the CBD.
The funding will go towards more CCTV cameras and three pilot safety co-ordination hubs at Queens Wharf… Audio
'Surge' in youth crime tackled at Invercargill meeting
Our southern most city has been struggling with escalting youth crime. According to Invercargill's maoyor it's at an all time high with vehicle thefts, break-ins, assaults, as well as death and rape… Audio
A GPS that could backfire on commuters
The plan to get Kiwis moving - as long as it's along a motorway - has public transport experts fuming Audio
Mayor's Anzac trip to Belgium criticised as rates rise
Hamilton's mayor will travel to Belgium for Anzac Day at the same time the city's residents are facing their biggest rates rise in two decades.
Centre that 'put Whangārei on the map' faces financial shortfall
Whangārei's acclaimed, but controversial, Hundertwasser Art Centre could run out of money by October 2025 - which means ratepayers may have to stump up to keep it open. Audio
Māori ward referendum 'an expense we don't need' – Masterton mayor
Masterton's mayor says holding a referendum for an already established Māori ward is an expense "we don't need" for an issue that has already been debated.
Flood protection PPPs would only 'add into the price' - council chairperson
But all seem to agree the projects will be vital for helping keep insurance available and affordable for residents and councils alike.
Whanganui eyes $16m in asset sales to offset rates
Whanganui council is seeking ratepayer support to sell $16 million of assets in the next year to keep its rates increase to 10.6 percent, but is not yet sure which ones.
Council's own expert at odds with it over mine
West Coast councillors are not happy after their own expert consultant expressed a view there was "no need" for a controversial sand mine proposal.
Law change needed to help at-risk homes - Nelson Mayor
The Nelson Council is consulting on what to do with undamaged homes at risk from landslides on private property following the floods a year and a half ago. Audio