Local Council

Contractors across Nelson Tasman have worked diligently in keeping the region's wastewater flowing, clearing blockages caused by all manner of strange items.

Wayne Brown has had to repay $1589 to Auckland Council after flying business class to Australia, for which only economy class fares could be claimed.

The latest bid to pause fluoridation in Whangārei's water supply has failed after a heated council debate.

Aucklanders who have spent the year dealing with storm-affected homes are getting some relief, as the first of the council property buyouts get underway.

An increased road budget, three waters compliance and interest are behind a signalled 11.5 percent rates rise in the first year of the Ashburton District Council's long-term plan.

Mayor Wayne Brown says he's hoping councillors will think rationally when it comes to implementing the long term plan next year.

Gareth Green helped repaint the car parking markings for eight New Plymouth District Council-owned units.

One councillor is calling the plan at New Plymouth's most popular swimming beach too expensive and a burden on ratepayers.

Greater Wellington Regional Council has issued thousands of dollars worth of fines over illegal odours coming from a wastewater treatment plant.

The advice comes as the region is preparing for the possibility of severe water restrictions.

Queenstown's local council is turning to an "odour-control fog cannon" to combat the stench.

The Gore District Council will write to central government to outline what one councillor has described as the "funding impossibilities" now confronting them.

One agreement will be settled this week, and the other early in the new year, Hastings District Council says.

The site is less than 5km east of a township and has been plagued with problems including odour, dust, and water leaching issues this year.

New Zealand is being warned it is heading toward a tragedy if more is not invested in council infrastructure, and that double-digit rates increases should be expected.

Auckland's infamous Myers Park has received an $11 million facelift.

The council shed a quarter of its senior management team earlier this year and has a goal of saving $10 million a year on staff and consulting costs.