Local Council
Bid to stop Wellington Airport share sale fails
An eleventh-hour attempt by three Wellington City councillors to stop the sale of the council's airport shares has failed.
Christchurch rates rise 'navigates choppy financial waters' - Mayor
Christchurch City Council has adopted a rates rise below 10 percent in its 2024 to 2034 Long Term Plan.
Flooded locals longstanding concerns about Wairoa River bar
The Hawkes Bay Regional Council is being accused of playing Russian roulette with the town over its management of the Wairoa River Bar - as the town mops up from yet another devastating flood. The… Audio
Tauranga mayoral candidates face off as election looms
Voting papers will start going out this weekend to residents of Tauranga for the city's first local body elections in nearly five years, with four of the mayoral candidates facing off in a debate last…
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
