Local Council

Approving a $2 billion cycling plan will allow Auckland to follow in the footsteps of major european cities, a cycling advocate says. Audio

The latest survey of Invercargill City Council members shows no notable progress on mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt's working relationship with councillors.

Mayors responding to a new report on sea level rise say their councils have already been working on the issue - and there will be implications for building houses and infrastructure near the ocean. Audio

Marlborough mayor John Leggett says the convoluted design makes no sense and he questions how it would deliver better quality drinking water and better environmental outcomes.

A Ruapehu District councillor says efforts will continue to put in place a plan for Three Waters reforms that protect property rights and community voice.

Gisborne can expect new faces around its council table this October for more reasons than the recent representation shake-up.

A protester has allegedly been arrested after about 30 activists stopped operations at Takitimu coal mine in Southland. Audio

Wellington City Council must acknowledge past failures toward mana whenua, a councillor says following the signing of a new partnership agreement.

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick was "unlawful" when she decided a discussion on Rotorua's controversial Māori wards bill would be held confidentially, two public law experts believe.

A Christchurch resident who lives and works near the burnt out wastewater plant is amazed there have been no warnings on the health impact. Audio

Rotorua councillor Peter Bentley says the mayor's actions at a council meeting on Thursday were the final straw.

Tsunami sirens for Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa have been talked about for nearly 20 years but, despite having funding, council want to remove them from their work programme.

Youth crime needs to be addressed with better parenting and support for parents, says rugby league great Sir Graham Lowe, and a city councillor. Audio

Rotorua council has pressed "pause" on its Māori wards bill, with Labour retracting its support.

Climate change, inequality and finances have been named the biggest challenges for the next Auckland Council by a pre-election report. Audio

The government has revealed plans to spend $1.4 billion into infrastructure in a bid to boost housing stock across five Auckland suburbs.

Rebecca Tsukigawa has lived in Bromley for 10 years but has decided to move, partly because of the "sickening" smell from the Christchurch wastewater treatment plant.