Local Government
'No public support' for Otago amalgamation review
The Otago Regional Council has rejected the idea of kick-starting a review of local council structures.
Local board fights Pt England development
Local representatives in east Auckland have joined opposition to a 300-house development planned for reserve land.
Council pays $128k for Dunedin nightclub
A Dunedin city councillor has defended the purchase of Sammy's, saying it is part of the council's core business.
Push for a single Dunedin council growing
A push for Dunedin to be run by a unitary council is gaining momentum, and might spark a full review of local government across Otago.
Heritage fund goes towards quake strengthening
Wellington's councillors have agreed to use $1 million dollars of heritage funding to help secure 244 buildings with unreinforced masonry.
Wellington council to tighten purse strings
Wellington's mayor is asking council staff to find at least $8 million in savings to counteract an annual 3.9 percent rates rise.
Another round begins in West Coast council reorganisation
West Coast locals are being asked for their suggestions of how local government in the region should be reorganised.
Hedge row: Owner fights council over pruning demand
An 80-year-old macrocarpa hedge near Waikanae Beach has become a sticking point between its owner and the local council. Video
Sheep faeces 'predominantly' led to outbreak - inquiry
The government's inquiry into Havelock North's water contamination is focussed on a pond near some bores. Video
Developer's ultimatum to council: Agree to carpark deal or we're out
The Christchurch City Council paid $28m towards a $50m carpark building after Carter Group threatened it would drop plans to build a glossy new CBD shopping precinct. Audio
Goff confident of backing for Auckland fuel tax
Outspoken - Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is confident the government will allow a regional fuel tax to plug a looming gap in transport funding. Audio
Outgoing Wellington mayor tried to make mark with tattoo leaving gift
Former Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown asked for a ratepayer-funded tattoo as her leaving gift. The council said no, choosing a park bench instead.
Commissioned: Local Government Commission Chair Sir Wira Gardiner
Sir Wira Gardiner is chair of the Local Government Commission overseeing our 78 local authorities, 11 regional councils and 67 territorial authorities. Rodney, Waiheke and the Wairarapa could all have… Audio
Backlash against council's quake-check list
Wellington City Council's order to inspect 80 buildings for earthquake risk is being criticised as "hyped up" and expensive.
Nelson and Tasman say no to Easter trading
Nelson City has joined the Tasman District in keeping Easter Sunday as a day free of trading.
Six decades of NZ's cities in photos
Thousands of just-released historical aerial images show how cities around the country have changed.
Fishing club told it can't stop public using boat ramp
A Far North fishing club can't stop the public using a boat ramp it built at Houhora Harbour, say local councils.
'We don't want to be another Auckland'
A new housing development could be built in Wellington, with the mayor saying the council will make it easier for people to build homes.
Tourism levy would be 'administrative nightmare'
A national tourism levy would be useful but the one proposed for Auckland is flawed, tourism bosses say.
Goff wants $5 bed levy for Auckland visitors
Prime Minister John Key a visitor levy proposed by Auckland mayor Phil Goff should be rolled out nationally rather than be just in Auckland, if proved viable.
