Local Council
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
Wairoa apples/horticulture do well at Hawke's Bay Export Awards
Wairoa Star's new owner is Tautau Commercial, CEO Aayden Clarke joins First Up to tell us wassup in the Hawkes Bay town Audio
Is Auckland really the 'City of Fails', or does it just have a cashflow problem?
Auckland's economy is falling behind that of the South Island and rural areas, and there is no government hero coming to the rescue.
A city with a cashflow problem
Auckland's economy is falling behind that of the South Island and rural areas, and there's no government hero coming to the rescue. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 18th August 2025
In today's episode, Auckland business leaders' say the city's economy still needs a kick start; Donald Trump is claiming his summit with Vladimir Putin was a 10 out of 10 and made a lot of progress… Audio
'Absolute tragedy': Fatal crash will weigh on Rotorua council candidate forever
Adams caused the fatal crash in which 72-year-old Anna Rose Lea died 12 years ago.
Who wants to be Auckland's mayor?
Six lower-profile candidates explain why it should be them.
'Frustrated locals' lash out: Tauranga parking meters vandalised
Tauranga parking machines vandalised amid frustration over expansion of paid parking areas.
Councils warn civil defence plan upgrades will lead to higher rates
A Cabinet paper estimated the reforms would cost councils $82.8 million over four years. Audio
Approval granted for new organics processing plant in Christchurch
On Friday, independent commissioners appointed by Canterbury Regional Council granted resource consent for the EcoGas plant, which will be built in Hornby's industrial zone.
Councillor quits as committee chair over hostile work environment
Jim O'Malley said he does not feel safe as the chair of the hearings committee as he felt targeted by the chief executive.
Landowners back plans to block Cape Palliser access
Private owners say public access is no longer tenable due to shocking damage done to the land. Audio
