Local Council
Councils to vote on Māori wards at local council elections
The issue of whether Māori wards should stay, is looming large, with local body elections just six months away. Māori News Journalist Pokere Paewai spoke with some of the affected councillors. Audio
Two Northland Mayors face in-house challenges
Far North Mayor Moko Tepania and Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo are both facing in-house leadership challenges in the upcoming October local elections.
Former ECan chair blasts councillors for 'acting like emus'
Environment Canterbury's former chair says his colleagues are ''acting like emus'' by allowing staff to continue planning work in the face of legislative change.
'Kick in the guts': Homeowners' fight over cyclone-hit property rates
Landowners whose homes were submerged by Cyclone Gabrielle say it is unfair to force them to pay the exact same rates as they were before the destruction.
Council plans for Takapuna golf course face backlash
A golf course architect says Takapuna Golf Course shouldn't be shut down under council plans to bolster flood mitigation, and that it could be part of the solution. Golf Course Architect Kristine Kerr… Audio
Mayor raises security concerns after abusive messages
It follows a meeting disruption from an upset member of the public.
Toilet talks stall: Cemetery loos divide Ashburton council
The decision on where to put new public toilets in the Ashburton Cemetery is on hold after a hung vote and the need for more information.
Western Springs Speedway taking Auckland Council to court
The association is taking legal action against the decision to move the speedway from its home of almost 100 years.
Councillor resigns over 'grossly oversized' cricket ground
Hurunui councillor and former mayor Garry Jackson has resigned in protest at the "oversized" cricket ground in the Amberley Village Green.
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 3 April 2025
On today's episode, an RNZ investigation has revealed ministers were lobbied by infant formula companies in the months before the government ditched tougher rules for how formula is made and sold, the… Audio
Disabled people will be ‘further isolated’ if travel subsidy cut
A council plan to disincentivise a mobility service amid ballooning costs has been criticised by a disability group.
Auckland has driest March for 15 years
Auckland has experienced it's driest March for 15 years and there's a warning that mandatory water restrictions could be implemented as soon as June if the rain stays away. Watercare head of water… Audio
Health Action Wanaka highlights inequities for locals
Wanaka residents face growing wait times for health services, Tess Brunton has the story from Central Otago Audio
Govt investment sought for Eden Park upgrade plan - CEO
The chief executive of Eden Park, Nick Sautner, says he has approached the government to try to secure funds for the stadium's upgrade.
Council move opens way for OceanaGold to extend open cast pit
Hauraki District Council has designated another 26 properties in Waihi for future mining.
'One or two people of these people ... may well be dead before winter ends.'
New Plymouth District Council votes to approve funding for new homeless shelter
Legal bid to halt sewerage pipe works fails in Environment Court
The decision comes less than two weeks since an urgent hearing.
Rural residents challenge BOP boundary changes
The Representation Commission is consulting on its electoral boundary review that will see changes to the Tauranga, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua electorates for the 2026 general election. Audio
'Heartbreaking': Dozens of puppies killed in Hamilton as owners reject desexing
Hamilton City Council animal control received 100 puppies younger than four weeks old in the first three months of the year. Audio
Council to vote on whether to fund rough sleeper shelter
The YMCA has offered its central city building as a shelter location for the growing number of people who are homeless in New Plymouth.
