Local Council
'A drop in the bucket': Sandringham businesses fear losing out on crime prevention fund
The Albert-Eden Local Board, which encompasses Sandringham, says its allocated crime prevention funding will be spread thinly and have limited impact.
Rotorua council to go ahead with museum upgrade, reopening
To Rotorua now, where the council has voted in favour of strengthening and re-opening the city's iconic museum, which has been closed for seven years. Meanwhile the election campaign is heating up in… Audio
Auckland mayor forms new committee to target 'stupid' council spending
Wayne Brown is complaining about what it costs to run the city, including paying for lawyers, accountants and consultants, and even core services like building footpaths and roads. Audio
'Ludicrous spending' comes at expense of basic services - Wayne Brown
Auckland's mayor says it's time to stop consultants and lawyers charging councils and the Government hundreds of millions of dollars for work they used to do in-house.
Wayne Brown says the "ludicrous… Audio
Councils think big on waste reduction despite dropoff in recycling
The new waste management and minimisation plan for the Wellington region is open for consultation.
New Plymouth council meeting to take place on marae for first time
For the first time ever, New Plymouth's council will meet on a marae - and it's a case of "about time", the district's first Māori ward councillor says. Audio
New Plymouth District Council to hold meeting at marae
For the first time in its history, the New Plymouth District Council will today hold its monthly meeting at a marae.
The mayor Neil Holdom and 14 councillors and will gather at Owae Marae in Waitara.
…Cyclone-hit homes buyout: Hawke's Bay mayor expects 'some concerns' from community
Hawke's Bay's five councils must unanimously agree on the government's offer to help buy out cyclone-damaged homes for the proposal to go ahead.
Councils to vote on deal to buy out cyclone-damaged homes
Five councils in Hawke's Bay will meet this week to vote on a cost sharing deal to buy out cyclone damaged homes at high risk of being flooded again.
The details of the agreement are not yet known… Audio
Councils won't reveal how much government will pay for cyclone-damaged homes
Hawke's Bay councils now have to sell ratepayers on a take it or leave it offer from the government to help buy out cyclone wrecked homes at high risk of being flooded again.
Hinewai Orsmby who… Audio
Hawke's Bay councils provide offer for damaged homes
Hawke's Bay councils now have to sell ratepayers on a take it or leave it offer from the government to help buy out cyclone wrecked homes at high risk of being flooded again.
The size of the bill is… Audio
A huge day at Raetihi Marae with deed of settlement
It was a significant moment on Saturday for three central North Island iwi, who signed a deed of settlement with the Crown. The historical grievances related to warfare and the imposition of martial… Audio
Wairarapa Hospital could fail in a major earthquake, court told
Wairarapa Hospital could be at risk of failing in a major earthquake, with almost 3000 structural defects found in the building, which does not comply with the building code, a court has heard.
Councillor conduct: Extraordinary closed door council meeting
An extraordinary meeting of the West Coast Regional Council next week to consider "councillor matters" will be held behind closed doors.
Take it or leave it: Hawkes bay councils not able to negotiate on flood buyouts
It's been revealed five hawkes bay councils have been offered a take or leave it deal by the government for the shared buy-out of high risk homes hit by extreme weather. In June the government… Video, Audio
Spanish team snub Palmerston North
The Spanish football team has bailed out of its Palmerston North base and will spend the remainder of the world cup in Wellington.
Despite the town's very large square, premier miniature railway… Audio
Local councils want greater share of money and power
Local councils are preparing to lobby the next government in a bid to get a greater share of money and power.
The sector met in Christchurch at the weekend for its annual conference, agreeing to try… Audio
Auckland flood recovery could cost $4 billion
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the number is still a 'guesstimate', but big plans for improving resilience and property buy-outs have seen the costs of the flood skyrocket.
Leafy berm lauded by one council agency, another threatens to chop it down
A garden was once hailed as an "inner-city oasis" by Auckland Council's Watercare now faces the chop at the hands of another council entity: Auckland Transport.
Rates remission announcement a relief for flood-affected Auckland homeowners
Auckland Council yesterday agreed to reopen the Emergency Relief Fund and increase it by $1 million to enable affected residents' rates to be waived for at least a year. Audio