Local Council
75% of voters support rates cap: poll
An overwhelming majority back the government capping council hikes, the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll has found.
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 18th September 2025
In today's episode, the economy has had a worse-than-expected contraction, shrinking 0.9 percent in the June quarter, helicopters are on standby as Fire and Emergency battle a large vegetation fire in… Audio
Chatham Islands Council forced into overdraft
There are fears for the financial viability of the Chatham Islands, with the island's council out of cash. Chatham Islands mayor, Monique Croon, spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Auckland mayor promises to ask for extra funding for homelessness
Wayne Brown says he can't commit to increasing the city's annual homelessness budget, but will ask the council if re-elected.
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 18 September 2025
In today's episode, about 40,000 primary school teachers, principals, and support staff will walk off the job on the 23rd of October, introducing a capital gains tax continues to be a major point of… Audio
'Bit gimmicky': McClay criticises council's 'nitrate emergency'
Canterbury Regional Council, known as Environment Canterbury (ECan), carried a motion to declare a nitrate emergency at its final meeting on Wednesday. Audio
New domestic flights taking off from Hamilton
Domestic jets make a reappearance at Hamilton airport - Libby Kirkby McLeod has the story Audio
Environment Canterbury declares nitrate emergency
The move comes after a survey found both E coli and nitrate concentrations were increasing. Audio
'Footpath to nowhere': Halswell residents want improved pedestrian access
The fast-growing Christchurch suburb was snubbed by the city council in a programme to improve 19 priority footpath areas.
Selwyn residents fighting eviction from settlement given reprieve
Selwyn District Council had been consulting with people at Upper Selwyn Huts about its future, after last year pausing a decision to evict homeowners by 2039.
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 17 September 2025
In today's episode, nurses turn their backs on the Health Minister, hundreds of Dunedin residents have lost power after vegetation hit a powerline as a severe weather front moves up the South Island… Audio
Wellington's City to Sea Bridge set for maintenance work
The long-contested bridge could get some renewal work instead of being demolished, with new government guidance set to decide its future.
'Commonsense has prevailed': Parole facility plans for a site near Rotorua scrapped
Unhappy neighbours and the Department of Corrections opposed the plans, when they were filed last October.
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 17 September 2025
In today's episode, we have our weekly political panel with National and Labour; A United Nations commission of inquiry says Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza; There's further… Audio
'Comically absurd': RMA reform minister Bishop slams Eden Park concert limits
But he insists his review of the rules will be balanced, with local community consultation. Audio
Councillor opposes climate strategy despite already voting in favour
'I'm not a climate change denier, but I don't think it's all man's fault,' Phill Hooper told a gathered crowd.
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 16th September 2025
In today's episode, more than 100 more staff are in line to go in Tokoroa at the local plywood manufacturing plant; The latest RNZ Reid Research poll has the election on a razor's edge with the right… Audio
Vampire rights, sandfly bans and stolen houses touted in mayoral campaigns
As ballot papers land in letterboxes around the motu, some mayoral candidates are doing away with traditional priorities. Audio
New Watercare plant aims to curb Auckland sewage overflows
Watercare says a new wastewater plant will help significantly cut sewage overflows that have plagued oyster farmers north of Auckland. Kim Baker Wilson reports. Audio
Mayoral hopefuls bring fangs, red noses and big hats
Among the ballot papers landing in letterboxes this week, voters may find a few surprises: from fangs, to red noses, and striking, oversized hats. Rowan Quinn reports. Audio
