Local Council
Auckland Council meets to decide if it will support new intensification plan
The plan would allow for more apartments and terrace homes in walking distance of train and bus stations among other changes.
Govt looks to expand geothermal strategy in Taupo region
Dan Hutchinson reports on the neighbourhood around Taupo, where there's a boil water notice in the suburb of Mapara Audio
Rate capping lessons from across the Tasman
As rate payers feel the pinch, plans for rate capping offer welcome relief. But councillors across the Tasman have warnings.
On rate capping, lessons from across the Tasman
As rate payers feel the pinch, plans for rate capping offer welcome relief. But councillors here and across the Tasman have warnings. Audio
Council staff kept busy by information requests
Requests for official information are on the rise on the West Coast, including some described as 'vexatious'.
Mayoral hopeful opens up on 'frosty' relationship with brother Nobby Clark
Andrew Clark will run for Invercargill mayor and is the brother of current mayor Nobby Clark.
Food insecurity: Advocates push for South Auckland community gardens
Community gardens could help bridge the gap for families struggling, one local board chair says.
Wellington Council approves extra funding for sludge plant completion
Wellington City Councillors have voted to approve an extra $83 million for the completion of its sludge minimisation facility.
Many seats filled unopposed for Waikato councils
Government legislation and abuse of councillors are among factors making people reluctant to stand, one councillor says.
Invercargill mayoral candidates pitch back to basics approach
For the first time since the 1990s an incumbent was not standing for reelection, and instead ratepayers have eight candidates to chose from. Audio
Future of Nelson Provincial Museum's new storage facility uncertain
The museum's existing building has been deemed not fit for purpose. Audio
Café fights street flag ban
A Richmond retailer says rules banning advertising flags from the street would cut his revenue by hundreds of dollars.
Rates rises costing some a warm, dry home and good food
As the local body elections loom, Invercargill ratepayers are looking forward to a new order on council. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 19th August 2025
In today's episode, Donald Trump hopes there will be a chance for a trilateral meeting between himself, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after a meeting… Audio
Higher rates and more debt: Auditor General and former mayors
This week, two officials from the Office of the Auditor-General spoke with the Governance and Administration Committee about the Long Term Plans made by local government.
Draft rules restrict new homes in flood-prone areas
The proposed new consent rules at Auckland Council also double down on high density living.
Rates, debt hot topics as mayor, challenger square off in Gore
It's a two horse race with a former councillor and current mayor Ben Bell facing off for the mayoralty. Audio
Gore's mayoral hopefuls face off in debate
It's a two-horse race in the Gore District with former councillor Nicky Davis and current mayor Ben Bell facing off for the mayoralty. Tess Brunton was there. Audio
Building Industry Federation on changes to building consents
The government has announced a shake up of the building consents regime, which it says will cut delays and costs for construction projects. Building Industry Federation chief executive Julien Leys… Audio
Govt makes changes to who pays when buildings go wrong
The government says councils have been scared to sign off building consents because they're liable and plans to spread that responsibility so everyone involved in the build will be responsible for the… Audio