Local Council
Wellington water restrictions imposed
Level 1 water restrictions are now in place in Wellington, Lower Hutt, and Porirua.
Control efforts underway, as invasive weed threatens Otago lakes
Divers have started hand-weeding and monitoring lakes in the South Island.
Auckland mayoral race attracts less than 10 percent of voters with two weeks left
The last elections in 2022 saw 35.5 percent of those enrolled exercise their votes.
New battery recycling units launched in Lower Hutt trial
New high-tech battery recycling units are now available at three Lower Hutt locations, as part of a council-led trial.
The terrifying truth about turtles
Turtles have a relaxed reputation, but in reality they're quick-moving and aggressive, and are wreaking havoc on our native wildlife
Hamilton hopes party will get people interested in voting
A free family-friendly neighbourhood party is happening in downtown Hamilton on Saturday aiming to get people voting in the local election.
Turtles, the pet turned pest
Turtles have a relaxed reputation, but in reality they're quick-moving and aggressive, and are wreaking havoc on our native wildlife. Audio
Bay of Plenty bus fares hiked for first time in seven years
Urban fares will increase for all services across the region except for long-distance routes.
'A game-changer ': Far North cats now have to be desexed, microchipped
It is a big change for the district, which has not previously tried to restrict cats despite the almost year-round kitten season.
Confidential council documents found in mayoral desk from dump
The council have alerted the Privacy Commissioner.
New Far North bylaw enforcing desexing for all cats
A new Far North District Council bylaw requires all cats over the age of four months to be "chipped and snipped". It's a big change for the Far North which has not tried to restrict cats in the past… Audio
Speeding events rise at Southland council
A southern council work car has been clocked travelling at 133km/h amid an uptick in speeding over recent reporting periods.
New Plymouth mayoral debate draws crowd and laughs
With the incumbent Neil Holdom not seeking re-election, the city is guaranteed a new leader and nine candidates have put up their hand. Audio
Swansong for departing Auckland councillors
Retiring councillors not standing for re-election have given their valedictory speeches.
Auckland Council wants more control over Auckland Domain facilities
Extending and granting leases for parts of the central city park like the Wintergarden Café require central government approval.
Councillor didn't realise she would get paid before she was elected
Lisa Bond admits she knew little about how the council worked when she was first elected.
How to deal with parking fines
Parking tickets - they can really ruin your day. While sometimes you have to take one on the chin, some recent media reports have highlighted more predatory behaviour. So, what are our rights when it… Audio
Community Board candidate dies
Danny Topia was running for a seat on the Coromandel-Colville Community Board, but died early on Wednesday.
Voting booklet blunder leaves 27 candidates' profiles missing
A former Hawke's Bay mayor is calling for a reprint of Hastings booklets delivered with voting papers after 27 candidate profiles were missed out.
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 25th September 2025
In today's episode, Auckland Council has voted in favour of a new housing intensification plan that clears the way for high-rise buildings of up to 15 storeys around public transport hubs; a new… Audio
