Local Government
Plains vs flats: Tasman's 'clash' over zoning
Tasman District Council is struggling to balance demand for residential growth with the need to protect valuable productive land.
Environment Minister accused of GMO beat-up
The government has been accused of scaremongering as it moves to stop local councils controlling the use of genetically modified organisms. Video, Audio
Christchurch City Council pushed on drinking water safety
The Canterbury DHB has asked for assurances that shallow bores in Christchurch's north-west are safe from contamination. Video
Mayors protest 'completely undemocratic' law change
Mayors and council officials are protesting changes that would allow the government to create council-controlled organisations without their permission.
Consent to dig closer to Christchurch groundwater denied
An application to excavate less than a metre above Christchurch groundwater supplies has been turned down by the city's council.
Vic Crone pledges to bring forward cross-harbour tunnel
Auckland mayoral candidate Vic Crone has pledged get the cross-harbour tunnel built a decade earlier than planned, just days after refusing to commit to it.
Boost to Auckland Council's cash surplus
Higher revenue from growth and flat spending has boosted the Auckland Council's operating surplus to $250 million.
How democratic are local government elections?
Elections for the mayoralties, councils and local boards take place in early October, and already questions are being asked about low voter turn-out, low candidate turnout, one-sided races, &… Audio
Hundreds oppose Wgtn runway extension plan
Hundreds of people have lodged opposition to the proposed extension of Wellington airport's runway.
Christchurch dog owners queue up for canine clinic
A long line of dog owners has queued up for a canine welfare clinic in one of Christchurch's most deprived suburbs. Yesterday's clinic in Aranui was provided by the Canterbury...
Foss flabbergasted by regional council inquiry
Tukituki MP Craig Foss has accused the Hawke's Bay Regional Council of adding to public uncertainty about the contamination of Havelock North's water supply.
Storm brewing over Christchurch sea rise warnings
The Christchurch City Council is being threatened with legal action for delaying the removal of sea level rise warnings from property reports. Audio
Water shortage could follow Havelock North illness outbreak
A summer water crisis could be looming in Hawke's Bay off the back of the Havelock North gastric illness outbreak, council documents suggest.
Ruataniwha email deluge infuriates councillors
An email campaign against the proposed Ruataniwha Dam in Hawke's Bay has infuriated local councillors.
Thousands of Auckland dogs on death row
More than 3000 menacing dogs were euthanised in Auckland last year, council figures show. Audio
South Island councils team up for roading
South Island councils are teaming up to form a single voice on transport planning over increasing concerns about missing out to the North Island.
Election turnout hampered by post - Council
Postal voting is hampering the Auckland Council's bid to lift voter turnout in October's local body elections, it claims.
Campaign to seek review of cat micro-chipping bylaw
A legal fight looks likely over the Wellington City Council's decision to make micro-chipping mandatory for all cats within 18 months.
Questions asked over taxi scheme oversight
Questions are being asked about the Canterbury Regional Council's oversight of a subsidised taxi scheme at the centre of fraud allegations. Audio
Runway extension uneconomic - report
A new report claims there will not be enough passengers to make a runway extension at Wellington Airport economically viable. Audio