Local Council

New figures show 16km of stopbank on either side of one of Hawke's Bay's main rivers have been weakened by Cyclone Gabrielle.

A 7.2 percent rates increase is one of five substantial deviations from its Long Term Plan that Nelson City Council is expected to consult with residents about.

Tensions have run high in Tokomaru Bay over the district council's handling of convoys which have proven a life-line to residents needing to access Gisborne.

Swings have been removed from a Carterton playground after a national standards survey, with concerns about items at four other playgrounds.

All schools in the Ashburton area will have a 30kph speed zone set up on roads outside them this year, with one principal relieved after a 14 year campaign.

In recent weeks, pump stations have been getting blocked up by wet wipes and similar items, says Carterton District Council.

The mayor believes it has further strengthened the case for it to happen sooner, rather than later.

The corpses of thousands of dead birds have piled up around the extensive mosaic of swamps, fens, bogs and open water between Waikato's Meremere and Te Kauwhata.

A gold dredge that has been idle for a decade could be the downfall of a longtime West Coast Regional Council chairman, but he's still proud of the massive machinery.

Napier City Council is preparing to hold its first event post-cyclone this evening.

The Public Service Association says the Auckland mayor's comment that librarians could be replaced with volunteers is insulting and ill-informed. Audio

People living in a contaminated street in Napier are anxiously waiting to find out exactly how dangerous it is.

Questions have been raised about whether an increased police and guardian presence in Rotorua's inner city has pushed problems elsewhere.

An Auckland resident sleeping on a camp chair since her home flooded in January says she has not seen a cent from the council's Emergency Relief Fund.

Councillors talk of fears of service cuts, increased inequalities and the tough journey ahead for those leading a city facing huge budget deficits.

Significant job cuts are likely for Auckland Council's head office as it looks to plug a forecast $295 million budget deficit as well as cover the cost of storm and cyclone damage and the City Rail…