Local Council
More needed from councils in wake of floods, report finds
A government report has found local councils need to be doing more to prepare for flooding and to mitigate the risks it poses to communities.
'What are you afraid of?': Proposal to remove mana whenua voice at council fails
A proposal from the new Napier Mayor to remove mana whenua voices and voting rights in the council's standing committees for the next council term has failed.
Beach community moves to highest level of water restrictions
The council suspects the current dry conditions are the main problem.
Wellington's City to Sea bridge saved from demolition - for now
Wellington City councillors revoked the decision to knock it down, made by the council last year.
Councils' water plans to cost $9b more
The plans under the "Local Water Done Well" model now been signed off.
Fishing charter group prosecuted over Patea bar incident
A Taranaki fishing charter company is facing charges for a 2022 incident at the Patea Bar. Robin Martin has more details. Audio
Why the bugbears of suburbia make us so mad
From battles over berms to stray dogs and noise - why do we get so angry about our neighbourhoods?
The things that annoy us, and the people we moan to
From stray dogs to traffic jams to the most controversial topic of all - berms - councillors and mayors from across the country report what's getting on their residents' nerves. Audio
Waitaki District Council pushing for joint water plan
Councillors have approved a plan to explore re-joining the Southern Waters group or partnering with Timaru District Council.
Major RMA overhaul revealed
It has been revealed a major RMA overhaul with two new laws replacing the Resource Management Act; a Natural Environment law and a Planning law. The planning bill would lay out what infrastructure is… Audio
Government reveals sweeping overhaul of the RMA
The coalition is heralding the single largest economic reform in a generation - as it sets out its sweeping overhaul of the RMA. The much-loathed Resource Management Act has proved a perpetual bugbear… Audio
At least 30 code browns in 2025 at Invercargill pool
A Southland pool is under code brown alert - but staff are undeterred. Matthew Rosenberg has the story. Audio
Two more summers of Tairua bridge delays, upgrade by 2027
The deputy mayor of Thames-Coromandel says there'll only be two more summers of lengthy waits in the car to get to some Coromandel towns. Deputy mayor, John Grant spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Wellington braces for influx of visitors for 'Avatar' premiere, cricket
The Embassy Theatre will host the Australasian launch of James Cameron's science fiction movie.
Workers injured by chemical at Taumarunui transfer station
An unknown chemical sent for recycling has injured two workers and forced the facility's closure.
Southland's waters warming faster than most
While the warmer waters may mean more enjoyable swimming temperatures, continued increases will be detrimental to a wide range of coastal ecosystems, including valued fisheries.
Boil water notice for Paihia to continue until at least Monday
Residents there, as well as Waitangi, Ōpua, Haruru and Te Haumi have been told to boil tap water for at least a minute before drinking it or cooking with it.
Auditor-General scrutinises Chatham Islands Council spending where Paul Eagle is CEO
Eagle is a former Labour MP and has headed up the council since November 2023.
Watch: Video offers first glimpse of Wairoa's planned flood spillway
After Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, the Hawke's Bay town was given $70 million of Crown funding to provide the town with protection from future flooding.
Wairarapa council's green initiatives in full bloom
From no-mow trials in public parks to soft plastic recycling, Carterton council is adopting sustainable practices across its business units.
