Local Council
Kainga Ora pauses controversial housing project
Kainga Ora has put the brakes on a controversial social housing project in Auckland, saying it needs to reassess its strategy and priorities. The development, in the Blockhouse Bay suburb, faced… Audio
Parts of Christchurch struggling with full sewage systems
Parts of Christchurch are off-limits for further housing development because the sewage system is full. Niva Chittock reports. Audio
Residents don't want tall buildings in Mt Maunganui CBD
Mt Maunganui residents aren't happy about the height of buildings in the beachside resort - local democracy reporter Alisha Evans has the details Audio
Insurance premium increase leaves council with $500,000 gap
It means Marlborough rates will increase this financial year from 12.96 percent to just over 13.6 percent.
Dragging Tauranga back to democracy
After four years of commissioners, Tauranga is set to elect a mayor and councillors. Can they avoid a repeat of the previous mess? Audio
Mapping Tai Rāwhiti's worst eroding land
Gisborne District Council plans to designate high-erosion areas where farming and forestry must cease.
The mayoral candidate who lives 100km from the city he hopes to run
But Mahé Drysdale says he has worked in the city, grew up there and, if elected, will move at the end of the year.
Carterton councillors fear code of conducts silencing their views
Alarm bells are ringing for democracy in New Zealand, says the head of NZ's Free Speech Union.
Schools 'shocked and confused' over speed limit U-turn
The government wants to raise speed limits throughout Auckland - but councillors are fighting back. Audio
Real or myth? Young scientists seek truth in legendary love story
A group of Rotorua children have used science to prove whether the basis of the legendary love story of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai is true.
Govt rejects recommendations for local government overhaul
The report has found communities were not well-served by the relationship between central and local government.
LGNZ welcomes housing growth, but cites support concerns
Local Government New Zealand has welcomed the government's commitment to housing growth, but says the lack of support to make it happen is a major concern for some councils. The Housing Minister… Audio
Outcry from businesses over 'short notice' roadworks
Shop owners say their incomes have been decimated by poor planning from Auckland Transport on Onehunga Mall Road.
Tension rises as digger arrives on land subject to Treaty claim
A headland in the Bay of Islands was earlier occupied by hapū to stop homes being built. Now, a digger has arrived to start clearing vegetation.
Cemetery fee hike could spark backlash, councillor warns
An estimated $1800 hike in burial fees in Marlborough could be met with some "pushback" from the community, a councillor says.
First event at new Christchurch stadium could be Crusaders game
Operators of Christchurch's new central city stadium say a home Crusaders game would be an "emotional" and fitting opener once gates finally open in two years time.
The history of selling New Zealand's public assets
Last week the Labour/Green dominated Wellington City Council narrowly voted to sell its share in the Wellington Airport. The sale of public assets has been a controversial issue throughout New… Audio
New kerbside recycling targets 17,000 homes across Whanganui
Recyclables will be collected weekly at the roadside, hand-sorted and disposed of by contractors.
'A lot worse than Gabrielle': Surfers' clean-up undone by new storm
Woody debris has once again filled culverts in Gisborne's Wainui Stream after last week's storm - a build-up being described as "a lot worse than Gabrielle".
Takina exhibitions fall short on targets despite investments
New documents reveal the two first major exhibitions at Takina have either failed to break even or reach their target visitor numbers. The 180-million dollar central city convention centre opened just… Audio
