Local Council
15-metre-high trees face chop as part of city makeover
The Italian alders have been blamed for damaging footpaths and causing people to slip and fall.
Russian businessman buys former Ashburton council building
A Russian business that owns a high country station in Mid Canterbury now owns a slice of Ashburton's CBD.
Forestry worker injured on council-owned block
The worker was left with life-threatening injuries.
Yarrow Stadium to be renamed as sponsor pulls out
The more than two decades-long naming rights deal at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth is coming to an end.
Wellington Water to ask council for more money
Wellington Water will ask the council for more money than it has been budgeted for the next financial year.
Wellington mayors on plans before council elections
The mayors of Wellington's four cities say they've got a lot to get through before local body elections in October. Nick James caught each of them. Audio
Frustration over delays to speed reductions in Tasman
Speed limits in Tasman, cost of council venues in Nelson and the controversial Waimea Community Dam - Local Democracy Reporter Nelson Max Frethey has all the details Audio
South Island pool takes high-tech approach to reducing drowning risks
A Canterbury swimming pool is using artificial intelligence technology to reduce the risk of drownings.
Lower Hutt MP wants answers over unbuilt post-natal care unit
A post-natal care unit for sick babies that was due to open in Lower Hutt in 2023 still has not been delivered, with the local MP demanding answers for months. Lower Hutt MP Ginny Andersen spoke to… Audio
Sugary drinks could be off the menu at Palmerston North venues
Sugary drinks could be off the menu at a series of Palmerston North sports venues if the council has its way. Speedway promoter Bruce Robertson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
'An overreach': Mayor against possible ban on fizzy drinks
The sale of fizzy drinks could be banned from a range of venues in Palmerston North, under a proposal being considered by the city council. Audio
'It feels like the drinkers have won' as playground removed
Community members have been left reeling after a playground and seating area were dismantled and fenced off to deter public drinking.
Protest to save Wellington's Begonia House
An advocacy group trying to save the iconic glasshouse, identified by Wellington City Council as an unsafe public space, are set to stage a "sit in" protest. Audio
Tauranga's first Māori ward councillor resigns
Mikaere Sydney was elected in July 2024 but was never able to take up the job.
Proposed street names divide councillors again
Finding the right names for new streets remains a peak to summit, with three proposals dividing councillors.
Speculation deputy mayor Desley Simpson could run for mayor
A series of domain names registered to Desley for Mayor have sparked speculation Auckland's deputy mayor, Desley Simpson, could challenge Wayne Brown for the mayoralty. Political commentator Ben… Audio
Report urges re-consideration of Nelson-Tasman councils merger
A merger was last considered in 2012 but failed after a referendum.
Speculation Desley Simpson will stand for Auckland mayoralty
There is growing speculation over whether Wayne Brown's own deputy and political ally is set to challenge him for the city's top job.
Gravel road debate: Southern council puts off decision
A decision on reverting sealed roads back to gravel has been delayed.
$130 million road to open in Queenstown
Queenstown's $130 million new road is opening on Thursday. Queenstown Lakes District Council infrastructure committee chair Gavin Bartlett spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
