Infrastructure

Last year at one point there was a 70 percent chance of the region being plunged into level three restrictions, this year there is just a 1 percent chance.

The roads partnership unravelled under a confidential settlement this week, meaning NZTA will now finish off what it had said was incomplete work.

What was going to go there and why didn't it? Local Democracy reporter Linda Hall takes a look.

"Put it this way, you can't taste it anymore," one resident says. Audio

The two-and-a-half year closure of part of SH1 cut people off from family members, shops and health services.

"The horse has already bolted. Those of us who choose not to drink fluoridated water have already figured out what we have to do."

A new plan has been hatched to try to resolve a years-long fight to protect native fish at Transmission Gully.

For more than two years, locals have faced long detours on rough roads, isolation from friends and family, and higher transport costs. Audio

Those on Auckland's waterfront say they are cautiously optimistic about Wynyard Crossing Bridge being operational again.

The pedestrian drawbridge has malfunctioned twice since re-opening on Friday.

It comes after about 650 households were issued a do-not-drink notice due to nitrate levels.

A leaked report authored by the government's expert ministerial advisory group warns the Aratere should be retired as early as next year.

Health Minister Shane Reti says stage one is still on budget and on track to be completed by 2031.

The bridge, a "critical" connection to many businesses, was stuck in the upright position for much of 2024.

The land on which Kaitāia Airport sits will be returned to Ngāi Takoto under the agreement, RNZ understands.

It was developed as an alternative to the Council's previous draft LTP which would have required a 25.8 percent increase to water rates.