Local Council
Crate day antics destroy endangered birds eggs near Canterbury
Crate day antics in four wheel drives have destroyed the eggs of endangered birds nesting along a Canterbury river. There's several colonies of the Tarapiroe, black fronted terns and banded dotteral… Video, Audio
Boaties warned of dangerously high lake levels in Rotorua
Boaties are being warned to beware treacherous booby traps hidden below exceptionally high lakes levels in the Rotorua Region. A number of lakes in the area have water at levels that haven't been seen… Video, Audio
Auckland flood recovery enters next phase as holiday season looms
Tough decisions are looming for Auckland's flood recovery as affected residents head into the holiday season. It's been around 10 months since the Auckland anniversary weekend floods, and Cyclone… Audio
Double-digit rate hikes on the cards as mayors warn of 'broken' council funding system
A number of councils are proposing massive double-digit rate rises as part of their long-term plan discussions.
Mayors are warning that residents across the country are likely to face the same pain… Audio
Asset sales not the solution to council debt - local government scholar
A local government scholar says asset sales are not the answer as major councils try to balance their books.
Council signals risk of major cuts to Wellington's passenger rail services
Passenger train services in Wellington could be cut drastically if something is not done about the rail network's chronic underfunding, the regional council says.
Far North District Council using maramataka to schedule hui
We check in now on the neighbourhood of Northland with local democracy reporter Susan Botting and she told Nathan Rarere how the Far North District Council is now using maramataka the Maori lunar… Audio
Delay in fixing Parnell sinkhole causes a stink
It could be several months before a broken sewer in Central Auckland is fixed. Work on a sewer line in Parnell that collapsed and opened a massive sinkhole won't begin until early next year. Nearby… Audio
City Rail Link: No guarantees of hitting 2026 deadline
The boss of Auckland's long anticipated underground rail network is giving no guarantees it will hit its opening deadline of 2026. It has suffered several budget blowouts and will cost the city $220… Audio
Crumbling teeth or having a home? The choice one retired Rotorua couple face
It comes as they face a bill for a sewerage scheme they must legally connect to.
Wellington central library $189m rebuild on track
Wellington ratepayers can breathe a sigh of relief that the central library rebuild is not going the way of the Town Hall upgrade.
'Objectionable odour' in Wellington prompts complaints
A Wellington wastewater treatment plant is breaching consent with a foul odour after a biofilter media was changed.
Public can be 'brutal' - councillors defend use of closed-door workshops
The Ombudsman's call to open council workshops is a "hard nut to crack", a Western Bay of Plenty councillor says.
Climate change pilot 'paused' in Northland, despite community’s pleas
Climate change work in Northland's Ruawai has been stopped by Kaipara District Council, despite pleas from the community.
Hamilton beachgoers split on council's $1.7m makeover plans
Wellington Street Beach might not be Piha or Anchorage Bay but in the landlocked city of Hamilton, it is an iconic destination.
'I want more people into the city' - Auckland mayor calls for legislative changes
Wayne Brown has made his case for how the city could work. But he says it can only be successful with the help of law changes by the government.
Otago councils prepare for climate disasters in high-risk neighbourhoods
Banning new developments, managed retreats, ground strengthening and creating more water storage are among the options unveiled to help South Dunedin face future hazards.
Auckland Council looking to move to fortnightly rubbish collections - 'It would be deeply unpopular'
A councillor fears the city's kerbside rubbish collection could be reduced from a weekly to an "inconvenient" fortnightly service.
Wellington mayor receives supportive messages after revealing drinking problem
Tory Whanau says she's received hundreds of messages of support after admitting to having a drinking problem. But some councillors are questioning whether she's up to the job. The Wellington mayor… Audio
Allegations of blackmail over North Shore walkway stoush
Allegations of blackmail have been levelled at the owners of a North Shore property which is blocking access to walkers on a popular beach path. The owners want a heritage status removed, so they can… Audio
