Infrastructure
A fast track to unprecedented power
The new fast-track approvals bill has been described as 'government by amateurs', with no checks and balances Audio
In pictures: Hundreds rally to save historic wharf
Locals are opposing Hutt City Council's plan to demolish the quake-damaged Petone Wharf. Audio
Rotorua’s $3 billion, 30-year plan to fix aging pipes, roads and more
Rotorua is wrestling with a costly dilemma: how to keep the pipes flowing after years of what one councillor describes as "chronic underspending".
Government urged to hit the gas on revamp of road user charges
Infrastructure New Zealand is pushing for new road user charges to be brought in quicker to help relieve pressure on strained transport funding.
Fast track legislation could taint New Zealand's reputation
Transparency International says fast track legislation that would give three ministers the power to greenlight significant infrastructure and development projects could taint New Zealand's reputation… Audio
'Just as we did in 1984' - School brings back traditional single-cell classrooms
Rangiora High School has a 1980s feel about it, following the refurbishment of its Rakahuri building, says principal Bruce Kearney.
Life-saving legislation that got out of kilter
The government's hit pause on strict new building regulations over earthquake strengthening, and even its usual opponents are happy with the move Audio
Deputy mayor almost steps aside over misunderstanding
The incident involved an email referring to an investigation into a combined Three Waters entity for Otago and Southland.
Pipe under major highway at risk
A pipe that travels under a major Hutt Valley Highway and carries all Upper Hutt's sewage could fail, engineers say.
Roadworks, construction have Tauranga businesses fighting for survival
The city centre is undergoing a major transformation and while businesses can see the good in it, they are battling to stay in the game in the meantime. Audio
Fast Track Approval Bill: Watchdogs seek substantial curbs on ministers' powers
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment says the role of ministers as decision-makers should be scrapped.
Around the motu: David Hill in North Canterbury
Rangiora High School's building project includes a return to single-cell classrooms. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Monday 22 April
On today's episode we hear from Labour's Rachel Brooking, after her party have criticised the Government over their fast track approval bill, the minister responsible for Resource Management Reform… Audio
Owners of earthquake-prone buildings given more time to strengthen them
Owners of earthquake-prone buildings will now have a four year extension on the requirement to strengthen or demolish. Audio
Temporary fix for Lawrence water supply on track, council says
Clutha District Council says it is on target to temporarily fix a town's water supply before it is expected to run out.
$10b transport plan gets tick from Canterbury mayors
The plan includes the proposed Woodend Bypass and a second Ashburton bridge as key projects.
Are rugby stadiums really worth it?
Opinion - Large stadiums are sold as an economic boon, but the reality is they tend to require significant investment, Robert Hamlin writes.
Aotea Great Barrier Island aims for zero waste
You won't find any single use coffee cups or public rubbish bins on Aotea these days, and a community recycling centre has been set up to reduce and reuse as much waste as possible. Checkpoint's Luka… Audio
Invercargill down to just one parking warden
A councillor says delivery drivers are openly flouting parking rules in the absence of anyone to police them.
Relief as Waimea dam completed just in time
The long-awaited Waimea Community Dam may be two years late and over budget, but its shareholders say it's been completed just in time.
