Local Council
Would govt force councils to amalgamate water services?
The minister responsible won't say, pointing only to regulations that could let it step in if needed.
Karekare volunteer fire officer Toby Hyman on past year
Its been a year since Cyclone Gabrielle wreaked havoc on areas around the North Island. The West Auckland beach community of Karekare was hit hard by the storm, with wrecked homes, destroyed roads and… Audio
Rotorua man foot badly infected after injury on boat ramp
Time now to get the latest from Rotorua with local democracy reporter Laura Smith. Audio
Who are the candidates for the Lambton General Ward by-election?
A renter's advocate and the founder of a well known local icecreamery are among candidates pitching to win the chance to represent the central city.
Govt plans to repeal Three Waters by the end of next week
Simeon Brown says it will "restore continued local council ownership and control of water services, and responsibility for service delivery".
Farmers hopeful for Cyclone Gabrielle recovery after 'very long year'
Those still in the thick of the long slog cleaning up silt left by Cyclone Gabrielle are breathing a sigh of relief that more help is on the way.
Cyclone Gabrielle: Hawke's Bay families battle uncertainty, emotional toll
On the anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle, thousands of people will wake up in marae, at friends' houses, in campervans and cabins. But not at home.
Govt called to pass policy stopping development in high-hazard areas
Forest & Bird is urging the government to pass a policy that would give councils more power to stop new development in high-risk areas.
Cruise ship grounding prompts talks on safety and bylaws
RealNZ-operated Fiordland Navigator ran aground with 67 crew and passengers who were forced to evacuate last month.
Draft plan reveals Christchurch council plans 15.8% rates rise
It would be followed by an increase of 8.2 percent next year, according to the council's draft Long-Term Plan.
Lasers and sprinklers: Council searches for seagull solution
Seagulls have started nesting behind sun screens on the side of Blenheim's new library and art gallery.
Exotic seaweed eradication hopes pinned on suction dredge
A trial in the battle against caulerpa, described as the world's worst marine pest, is underway in the Bay of Islands.
Macrons added to street signs in Marlborough
Three years after agreeing to put macrons on more than a dozen incorrect te reo Māori street signs in Marlborough, most of them have been fixed. It is pleasing progress,...
A Catch-22 nightmare of slips and bureaucracy
Homes suspended over landslides; lives suspended by bodies that can't or won't help Audio
Councils' consideration of water meters cuts chances of surcharges
The Greater Wellington Regional Council's chairperson says the four councils have made "quite a shift" in their attitude to the meters.
Featherston water supply risk remains
The pipe supplying the only source of drinking water to the town remains at high risk of failure and an urgent solution is needed, experts say.
Community want more support as thousands of homes set to be built
Residents say they're worried about increasing anti-social behaviour in the suburb.
Watercare gets extra $130m in debt funding after weather, sinkhole setbacks
Auckland Council has voted to temporarily increase the amount of debt funding for its water infrastructure company.
Environment minister, Chch mayor to discuss city's housing density
Christchurch's mayor will travel to Wellington to discuss halting housing density plans in the Garden City.
Wellington City Council gets reshuffle
The changes are mainly to do with committee structures and have been brought about by the departure of new Green MP Tamatha Paul.
