Local Council
Christchurch City Council chief executive resigns
Dawn Baxendale is leaving for personal reasons, the council says.
Northlanders to shell out $90 million in November rates deadline
Northlanders are finding it harder to pay their council rates - as the deadline looms for the year's second rates instalment.
Almost million-dollar boost for Waitara marine park plans
A youth zone and water-play area at a revamped Otupaiia Marine Park in Waitara is one step closer after a $950,000 boost.
West Coast trust invests $3m in minerals company
Development West Coast (DWC) is investing $3 million in Westland Mineral Sands.
Water clarity: The murky management of Rakaia River
Who is responsible for keeping Rakaia River pristine? It's a question that's led to protracted legal action in Canterbury, with another twist this week.
Hundreds take up call against former Gore council chief executive
Almost 300 Gore residents have signed a petition calling for the district council to revoke its appointment of former chief executive Stephen Parry to an interim role.
'A hell of a year': The young mayor sparking change
Far North kahikā (mayor) Moko Tepania says being elected with the support of local iwi means he and his councillors are not alone.
Gisborne council withholds minutes from secret workshops
Minutes for Gisborne District Council workshops, which are effectively held in secret, are not as readily available as indicated by the mayor.
Two violent deaths rock Lower Hutt community
The Lower Hutt Community has been grappling with not one, but two violent deaths in a single day.
Police are yet to release the name of the woman killed in a hit-and-run in Naenae Thursday morning.
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Porirua council votes to ban new pokie machines
New gaming machines and venues will be banned in Porirua, in an attempt to reduce the city's high spending on gambling. Audio
New gambling machines to be banned in Porirua
Porirua councillors have voted to ban new gaming machines and venues in an effort to reduce the city's disproportionate spend on gambling.
There are 156 pokie machines across 10 venues in Porirua… Audio
Auckland Council votes to start work on congestion charge
Auckland Council and Auckland Transport will now start work implementing congestion charges on some of the city's busiest roads.
Auckland's Transport and Infrastructure Committee voted 18 to two in… Audio
Havelock North properties deemed safe again due to flood protection plan
Properties in Havelock North which flooded during Cyclone Gabrielle will again be deemed safe to live in, thanks to a $10 million flood protection plan.
Congestion charges coming to Auckland in the next two years
Auckland Council's Transport and Infrastructure Committee has voted 18 to two in favour of setting up a team to oversee the implementation of the 'time of use' charges.
Westport's flooding disaster 'could have been avoided'
Westport's flooding disaster "could have been avoided" if funds had been available sooner to reduce the risk.
Council pushes ahead with fluoridation, despite High Court ruling
However, a longtime anti-fluoride campaigner wants the council to halt the $4.5 million-plus drinking water fluoride implementation process.
Summer water restrictions: Wellington businesses want early comms
Wellington businesses are waiting on what water restrictions might mean for them this summer.
Auckland congestion charges: Businesses point to 'significant benefits'
The charges need to be introduced as soon as possible to change driver behaviour, a business sector group says. Audio
Market in Hamilton's old council building makes its mark
A market with a distinctly Waikato flavour is making its mark in Hamilton's old regional council building.
Developers are hoping locals will get in behind the precinct and make Made Market an urban… Audio
Christchurch council to investigate opening meetings to public
A Christchurch councillor who's fed up with secrecy of meetings has finally made headway on making informal meetings open to the public.
Councillors voted unanimously on Wednesday to investigate… Audio