Local Council
Prospect of more Māori representation welcomed
Ngāi Tahu has welcomed the Future for Local Government Review Panel's final report which recommends provision to make it easier for Māori wards and Tiriti-based appointments.
'We're trying to do the right thing' - Nelson mayor asks government to help with flood recovery
Nelson's mayor says local councils and the government need to work out a cost-sharing agreement in order to build resilience when recovering from severe weather events.
No options ruled out for flood-prone South Dunedin - 'Managed retreat part of conversation'
The Dunedin City Council is gearing up for a discussion about the future of its most densely populated area.
Mayor Brown raises ire of union, councillor over port lease plan
The Maritime Union believes it would be disastrous for Auckland if the mayor gets his way with a proposal for the Ports of Auckland.
Union fears financial disaster over port
The Maritime Union fears it could be a financial disaster for Auckland if the mayor gets his way with a proposal for the Ports of Auckland.
Just two weeks after Wayne Brown won a contentious vote for… Audio
Tai Rawhiti area under state of emergency due to rain
Tairawhiti is in a state of emergency, and a red heavy warning is in place till Sunday. Civil Defence has asked residents in low lying areas not to wait till official evacuation and leave if they feel… Audio
Extra month of cheap fares in capital will allow technology catch-up
The Greater Wellington Regional Council has voted unanimously to extend half-priced fares for everyone until August.
'Getting pestered': Rotorua's council looking into potential begging ban
A prominent businessman is calling for a ban on begging in the city after customers were "pestered" and staff had to be given panic buttons as beggar numbers rose.
Gore mayor apologises
The Gore mayor and councillors have apologised to chief executive Stephen Parry.
It follows months of turmoil after the relationship between Mr Parry and Mayor Ben Bell broke down.
The council says… Audio
Māori leaders positive about local government review
A new report calling for local government to be a better Ti Tiriti o Waitangi partner is brave and timely, the New Zealand Māori Council says.
Gore mayor, councillors apologise to CEO, agree to collaborate
The Gore District Council chief executive and elected members have agreed to put their differences aside and work together.
No timeline for cyclone-affected Gisborne homes
Gisborne property owners affected by Cyclone Gabrielle still have more questions than answers about payouts and mitigation.
West Coast leaders mixed on council reform
West Coast council leaders say they agree change is needed for local government but will wait to see if they will be forced into amalgamation.
'The local has gone out of local government' - LGNZ
Stuart Crosby was responding to the raft of changes recommended to local government by an independent review panel. Audio
Local government review: Raft of changes recommended
Local councils need to change how they operate and consider new approaches to leadership, a review has found. Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty says it's an opportunity to make the system…
Tauranga's 9.4% rates increase 'appropriate' - Commissioner
Tauranga residents are facing a rates rise of 9.4 percent from July, but the council was still "losing ground", as this was lower than the costs it was facing.
Hobart doubles short-term stay rates to keep rents down
To Tasmania now, where the Hobart council agreed last night to double rates for short-term stay properties, like Airbnb's, to ease the rocketing cost of renting. The proposal will use the short-term… Audio
Waihi locals demand better flood management
Waihi residents let loose on councillors in a fiery meeting about stormwater management yesterday. It follows severe flooding last month which forced about 50 people, many of whom were pensioners from… Audio
Wellington hits brakes on speed reductions after cost error
The Wellington City Council has been left red-faced after an error was found in the cost-benefit reporting for its speed reduction plan. The proposal had been out for public consultation but it has… Audio
Taranaki council takes stand against seabed mining again
Time now for the Local Democracy Reporting part of our programme and today we're catching up on the news of Taranaki with Craig Ashworth. The push for sea-bed mining off the coast there has a new… Audio