Local Council
Gore council united behind embattled mayor
The dust has settled in Gore and its young, embattled mayor now has a freshly united council behind him. His deputy had called on him to resign, leading to an extraordinary council meeting where it… Audio
Upset greets 18.5 percent South Waikato rate hike
The Mayor of South Waikato says it gives him no joy to be suggesting an 18.5 percent rate rise - one of the biggest in the country. Gary Petley says it's the best option to get the council through the… Audio
Mayor fuming after council's bid for exemption from chlorinating drinking water fails
The national water regulator has turned down an application for Christchurch's water to be exempt from chlorine.
Lessons from Bola unheeded: 'We created a false sense of security'
New Zealand has had decades of warnings about the effects of deforestation of hillsides, draining of wetlands and building behind stopbanks, a freshwater expert says.
Council buys gang pad, immediately tears it down
The council said the purchase of the Meadows Road property was confirmed today, and the building was demolished this afternoon.
Vote of no confidence in Gore Mayor Ben Bell fails to get support
A vote of no confidence in Gore District Mayor Ben Bell has failed after not getting any support around the council table at an extraordinary meeting this afternoon.
Protests set for Gore council meeting
The countdown is on for a heated 4 o'clock meeting scheduled in Gore on Tuesday. Councillors will consider a vote of no confidence in Mayor Ben Bell, among other options reflecting disapproval of… Audio
Gore mayor treatment 'not unsual' - youth advocate
Young councillors around the country will be among those watching the Gore District Council meeting closely on Tuesday as the future of the Mayor Ben Bell may be decided. A months-long stoush will… Audio
Council staff 'extremely unprofessional' towards Gore Mayor Ben Bell at times, board chair says
The effort to oust Gore Mayor Ben Bell is "ridiculous", Mataura Community Board chairperson Nicky Coats says.
Karekare residents still seeking clarity on post-cyclone recovery
More than three months on since Cyclone Gabrielle, residents in a West Auckland settlement are calling on officials to provide clarity on recovery works.
Gore mayor Ben Bell says he is no quitter as council drama intensifies
Embattled Gore mayor Ben Bell has described himself as ambitious and confident, and says he is no quitter.
Council chair's hospital stay nothing to with alleged altercation, he says
West Coast Regional Council chairman Peter Haddock says his recent hospital stay was nothing to do with an alleged altercation involving the council's former chairman.
Cyclone and flood recovery support must be fiscally sustainable - Robertson
New Zealand needs to prepare for the reality that weather events such as Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary floods will continue to happen 'more and more', the finance minister says. Audio
'It will be a journey' - Councils, opposition react to cyclone recovery package
Councils in some of the regions hit hardest by Cyclone Gabrielle are relieved the government is promising to pay for the repair job on local roads, so the cost will not fall back on ratepayers.
Water woes: A small town faces the ultimate test in its supply choices
Analysis - Wairoa is years behind on some high-priority water supply projects, but the jobs it did put first paid off when Cyclone Gabrielle hit.
Gore council: Petition organiser seeks to remove chief executive
A petition calling for Gore District Council's chief executive to resign has garnered almost 1000 signatures in less than a day.
Kāpiti's revamped playground judged the country's best
Kāpiti Coast District Council says it's thrilled to have won Playground of the Year with its newly updated Lorna Irene Drive Reserve playground in Raumati South.
Public to have say on Greater Christchurch's growth draft plan
With the area's population expected to double in the next 60 years, the plan aims to ensure future developments provide more affordable housing and fewer emissions.
Gore council meets with government officials - without embattled mayor
Most of Gore's councillors met with Department of Internal Affairs officials yesterday, but the mayor and one of his staunchest allies weren't there.
Large number of submissions received as public weighs in on Rotorua draft Annual Plan
Submissions to the Lakes District Council annual plan have flooded into council offices this year - with more than 1500 people opting to have their say.