Local Council

But this time, it is good news for ratepayers.

Physical works on the much anticipated Woodend Bypass are due to get underway this year, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says.

Auckland Council has bought over a thousand homes it's deemed too risky to live in, but some say the $1.2 billion scheme hasn't worked for everyone. Audio

Broken signs, embedded tyre tracks, and blatant disregard for a bylaw are threatening a delicate biodiversity area, a report says.

It hit headlines last year, with the council saying it had received ongoing complaints about safety and the conditions.

A camper has spoken about efforts to raise the alarm, including a call to police three hours before the slip.

Councillors paid tribute to Jules Radich, remembering him as a passionate leader who always put his community first, with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. Audio

Heavy rainfall has caused flooding and slips, cutting off Whangārei communities.

River monitoring equipment that is "absolutely critical" for timely flood warnings has been damaged by thieves on two Marlborough rivers, sparking a plea from the council.

Returning mayor Tania Tapsell raised the most money and spent the most in her bid to get re-elected.

Marlborough District Council is considering whether to implement a bylaw for the appearance industry, after reports of sub-standard hygiene at some beauty salons.

The monitoring site on the Waiwhakaiho River has been vandalised three times since its installation in 2020, and twice in the last three months.

The installation of new surveillance cameras was stalled over costs and unresolved privacy issues.

Former Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark disputes claims made by Sir Tim Shadbolt's partner at his funeral. Audio

Some parts of Northland were isolated after heavy rain, with floodwater running deep around houses and emergency services under pressure to respond to calls.