Local Government

A Southland council is being criticised as having failed its community over a major aluminium smelter waste stockpile.

Just one Havelock North business hit by the town's water crisis has had its application for financial help processed by the Hastings District Council.

Wellington mayoral candidate Justin Lester says his plan to launch accomodation for alcoholics to continue drinking in a safe place would help addicts.

Justin Lester is promising to establish New Zealand's first wet house for alcoholics and drug addicts if he wins the Wellington mayoralty next month.

Tasman District Council is struggling to balance demand for residential growth with the need to protect valuable productive land.

The government has been accused of scaremongering as it moves to stop local councils controlling the use of genetically modified organisms. Video, Audio

The Canterbury DHB has asked for assurances that shallow bores in Christchurch's north-west are safe from contamination. Video

Mayors and council officials are protesting changes that would allow the government to create council-controlled organisations without their permission.

An application to excavate less than a metre above Christchurch groundwater supplies has been turned down by the city's council.

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.

Higher revenue from growth and flat spending has boosted the Auckland Council's operating surplus to $250 million.

Hundreds of people have lodged opposition to the proposed extension of Wellington airport's runway.

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...

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.

The Christchurch City Council is being threatened with legal action for delaying the removal of sea level rise warnings from property reports. Audio

A summer water crisis could be looming in Hawke's Bay off the back of the Havelock North gastric illness outbreak, council documents suggest.

An email campaign against the proposed Ruataniwha Dam in Hawke's Bay has infuriated local councillors.

More than 3000 menacing dogs were euthanised in Auckland last year, council figures show. Audio

South Island councils are teaming up to form a single voice on transport planning over increasing concerns about missing out to the North Island.