Local Council
Thousands queue as doors open at revamped Wellington Library after seven years
Two significant central Wellington landmarks have drawn significant crowds at their reopening after years-long closures.
Gisborne councillors back waste hub site despite mana whenua opposition
Gisborne is a step closer to taking control of regional waste, but some district councillors expressed "discomfort" over the process.
Wellington City Library's grand opening
The Wellington City library has officially re-opened after being closed for almost seven years due to earthquake risks. RNZ reporter Krystal Gibbons reports live from the opening. Audio
Report into Moa Point plant failure to be released next week
The news comes just over five weeks out from when a massive backflow of sewage flooded the plant.
'I panicked': Paul Eagle apologises as 'excessive' spending exposed
The former Chatham council CEO edited quotes and contracts in a $250,000 project to upgrade his own accommodation, in what an inquiry says was "exceptionally poor judgement".
'Just wrong for Dunedin': Alarms raised over seismic zone proposal
Heritage advocates are warning shifting Dunedin to a higher seismic zone will damage the city's economy and put its iconic heritage buildings at risk. Audio
Papatoetoe voters go back to polls after voiding 2025 election
Papatoetoe heads to the polls in a re-run of the 2025 Otara-Papatoetoe local board election - LDR's Mary Afemata has the story Audio
Selwyn District looks to limit rates rises, but it comes at a cost
The public will be consulted on the rates increase.
Moa Point disaster report hidden from public during review
A preliminary report into the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant will not be made public while the crown review is taking place, Wellington Water says.
Some Aucklanders 'very wound up' over housing intensification plans
The council would be asking the government to allow more housing density within 10km of the city.
Stood-down Napier deputy mayor doesn't want the job back
The deputy mayor role is now up for grabs for the third time since October.
West Coasters can now search all the hazard maps in one place
The portal could be instrumental for West Coast farmers, who will now be able to identify flooding risks, the council's chief executive said.
Intensification is coming, mayor tells leafy suburbs after 'long, painful' meeting
"It will end up with a city which looks like a city, not the world's largest suburb," Wayne Brown says. Audio
Freedom campers fall foul of Queenstown Lakes rules
More than 1600 fines of up to $800 were issued for infringements over the summer months.
Councillors hold private meeting after Napier mayor accused of 'reckless' decision making
Mayor Richard McGrath stood down his Deputy Mayor Sally Crown in February after she refused to resign.
Mayoral Minutes: Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley
It's time for Mayoral minutes, our new segment where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing, how they're working to solve them and what makes their community special. Today… Audio
Auckland mayor sees no issue with low voter turnout
If Aucklanders aren't bothered to vote, their choice should be respected, Wayne Brown says, but he supports calls to move to in-person voting in 2028.
Local government minister can't guarantee rates cap won't increase social housing rents
Simon Watts said the final rates cap policy is still being designed, but didn't anticipate it would cause higher costs for those living in roughly 10,000 council-owned rental homes.
Council considers free parking for seniors
Age Concern Otago has asked the council to consider removing parking fees after new parking meters introduced last December made some elderly people anxious.
Local board candidate wants postal voting scrapped
A High Court judge upheld a ruling that a new election should be held, after 79 voting papers were cast without the rightful voter's knowledge.
