Local Council
Floating pontoon to bring back foot traffic via Wynyard Quarter
A crossing bridge has been stuck in an upright position since March, cutting off a key pedestrian link to Wynyard Quarter.
Tauranga mayoral candidates faced off in debate
Voting papers will start going out this weekend to residents of Tauranga for the city's first local body election in nearly five years. Last night, four of the mayoral candidates faced off in a debate… Audio
Questions about the clearing of Wairoa River after rain hits
There's been questions about whether contractors were asked to clear the Wairoa River Bar quickly enough by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, before the heavy rain set in. Contractors in Wairoa had… Audio
Wellington Council to decide on long-term plan
Wellington City Councillors will decide today whether to sell the one-third stake they have in the capital's airport today - and at the same time, make or break the mayor's long term plan. The vote… Audio
Wairoa Council briefing on severe weather damage to the region
The Wairoa District Council has just had a briefing on the damaged caused by severe weather events in the region. The council says more than 400 properties have been flooded in the past 2 days in the… Audio
Wairoa Council to give briefing after heavy weather hits
The Wairoa District Council will give a briefing this morning as the town wrestles with the impact of the latest flooding - just 16 months on from Cyclone Gabrielle. Hundreds of homes have been… Audio
Inside Wellington's nearly $400m sewage sludge treatment plant
A new levy will be introduced to ratepayers to cover the cost of the facility that aims to process sludge into a safe, non-odorous and stable product.
'Words matter': Minister rebukes councillor for use of 'derogatory terms'
Louise Upston says it's unacceptable for Andrew Bydder to use ableist slurs in an expletive-laden rant to a neighbouring council.
Central Otago rates rise 'difficult' but must be done, councillors say
Councillor Sarah Browne says even she is stressed about the incoming bill but it does not mean the council should put it off.
Shower Thoughts: Why are rabbits an Otago problem?
Stephen in Dunedin asks: "Why are there so many rabbits in the South Island, particularly in Otago, but are not anywhere as much of a problem in the North Island? Grass is grass, isn't it?" Audio
Doubts linger despite funding boost for Christchurch Arts Centre
One councillor says the funding will give its trustees "breathing space to get it right".
Murupara's 'special character' and mayor remembered
Alan 'Bill' Whiteman spent his last years in Motueka, but was independent till the end and loved to have a good yarn, his daughter says.
Invercargill deputy mayor changes tune on Nobby Clark
Clark's month off from 60-hour work weeks would give him a chance to reflect, deputy Tom Campbell says.
Hamilton city councillor writes expletive-laden rant to neighbouring council
Hamilton's mayor says Andrew Bydder's expletive-filled submission to a neighbouring council is "vulgar" and "abusive", and has made a formal complaint.
Waipā mayor responds to 'frankly appalling' rant by councillor
Waipā mayor Susan O'Regan says she will not put up with abusive behaviour.
Petition launched to save Chateau Tongariro Hotel
The mayor of Ruapehu is gathering support for a petition calling on the goverment to save the iconic Chateau Tongariro Hotel. The Chateau was forced to close last year after a seismic assessment… Audio
Northland residents fight for compensation over blackouts
Northland businesses are pushing for compensation from Transpower for last week's blackout across most of the region. The grid operator, and its maintenance contractor Omexom, have admitted that a… Audio
Hamilton Mayor 'horrified' by councillor's rant
Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate says she is "horrified" by an expletive-laden rant from one of her city councillors to the neighbouring Waipa District council. Councillor Andrew Bydder's submission on… Audio
'Ludicrous': South Wairarapa councillor hits out at pay
Celebrity chef and councillor Martin Bosley says he personally worked between 20 and 35 hours a week, which means his pay is less than $10 an hour.
The region where ratepayers face a 27% rates increase
It will be one of the biggest rises compared to other councils around the country.
