Stories by Zita Campbell
News
Some Gisborne roads may revert to unsealed, amid budget cuts
Some of Gisborne's asphalt roads will be switched to unsealed as the district council looks to save money, and public meetings have been held to discuss the impact.
From tired to jazzed up: Gisborne’s main street’s spring clean
Ex-district councillor of 10 years Meredith Akuhata-Brown, along with two other volunteers, are facilitating a "spring clean" of Gisborne's city CBD, supported by Gisborne District Council, artists…
Illegal dumping doubles in Gisborne
A "roaring trade" in Gisborne's kerbside rubbish collection stickers online has raised concerns it could be linked to a much larger issue - illegal waste dumping.
Gisborne farmers fight for cyclone bridge rebuilds
A collection of Gisborne families are still anxiously awaiting updates about council-owned bridges destroyed during Cyclone Gabrielle, cutting them off from public roads.
Gisborne forestry firm's plan to battle woody debris
A Gisborne forestry firm plans to install three steel debris nets to reduce the amount of woody debris clogging waterways after severe storms.
Tokomaru Bay's leaky landfill fix in line to be fast tracked
Repairs to Tokomaru Bay's leaking landfill are desperately needed, say the residents who head out to collect the rubbish it strews on their beaches during severe weather events. Local…
Environmental group challenges forestry claims
Gisborne forestry firms are claiming economic strain from tight regulations, but environmentalists say the forestry industry needs to look at its own failings.
After forestry court victory, questions mount over fines
Gisborne District Council has celebrated multiple legal wins against forestry companies, but who is paying?
Can renewable energy ease high power prices in Tai Rāwhiti?
With "electricity poverty" soaring in Tai Rāwhiti, leaders are assessing the plausibility of locally owned, renewable energy grids.
Confusion in Gisborne: Councillors mistakenly vote for stricter alcohol rules
Councillors mistakenly voted for stricter rules, thinking they were removing CBD restrictions.
Gisborne council votes to keep Māori wards, public poll to take place
Many councillors said their decision to retain was made to represent the 54 percent Māori population in Gisborne who have historically been under-represented at the council table.
Nine Gisborne families move into Kainga Ora homes, more houses planned
Nine Gisborne families celebrated moving into new Kāinga Ora homes, providing stable, long-term housing. The development includes homes with up to six bedrooms, strategically located near Te Hapara…
Gisborne bar owner at loggerheads over liquor licence
Ben McCann spent hundreds of thousands on his beer garden, but lost his liquor licence after an appeal by a nearby school.
Farmers back bill to exclude climate rules in resource consents
Federated Farmers is backing a members' bill aimed at stopping regional councils from factoring in the negative effects of climate change in consenting decisions.
Mapping Tai Rāwhiti's worst eroding land
Gisborne District Council plans to designate high-erosion areas where farming and forestry must cease.
'A lot worse than Gabrielle': Surfers' clean-up undone by new storm
Woody debris has once again filled culverts in Gisborne's Wainui Stream after last week's storm - a build-up being described as "a lot worse than Gabrielle".
Tairāwhiti farmers 'in limbo' as rain cuts them off from roads
With bridges to their properties destroyed, the farmers - many of the elderly - feel like their lives are at risk.
What happens when your town's cemetery runs out of space?
With an average of two burials a week, Taruheru Cemetery is expected to be full within 10 years.
Road funding cuts for emergency events: Gisborne to fight NZTA plan
Mayor Rehette Stoltz is concerned NZTA's proposed policy changes would reduce emergency funding.
'Give it a go': Plea to Gisborne residents over controversial Grey St trial
Gisborne residents are being urged to see how it goes when it comes to the Grey St trial, a temporary structure aimed at encouraging locals to cycle and walk more.
Portaloos needed at Gisborne's new Kāinga Ora homes
The plumbing issues were found just weeks after emergency housing residents moved into the 31-home Worsley St development.
Gisborne considers training volunteer teams for emergency response
Establishing an emergency response team in Gisborne could be "another tool in our toolbox", Mayor Rehette Stoltz says.
Gisborne residents in stoush with forestry over clean-up costs
Several Gisborne residents want forestry companies to pay higher rates to help clean up debris and fix roads - but they say they already are.
'Fix our potholes': Gisborne locals decry spending on new projects
Submissions presented at Gisborne District Council's three-year plan hearings have seen residents clash with the council over pothole repairs and cycle paths.
New Kāinga Ora homes bring hope amid housing crisis
One family lived in a tent during the cyclone, while another ended up in emergency housing and even slept in a truck one night. These are their stories about moving into a brand new home.