Local Council
Mayors to be elected unopposed
Voting papers are about to arrive for the local body elections, but for residents in two districts they won't include anything about a mayoral contest. The mayors of Manawatu, in the lower North… Audio
Who should be allowed access to your wastewater?
Many people may flush and forget but excrament can be mined for a lot of information about your health and habits, and the question is - who should get access to what you discarded? Doctoral candidate… Audio
More than 60 jobs to go at Wellington City Council
The union says hundreds of workers across libraries, recreation, and city safety are facing uncertainty.
Conflict at Northland Regional Council top table investigated
Complaints of stalking, racial discrimination and privacy breaches made against Northland Regional Council's chair have all been dismissed.
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 9th September 2025
In today's episode, the trial of a woman accused of murdering her two children and putting their remains in suitcases has begun at the Auckland High Court; The Police Commissioner and the Minister for… Audio
'Fears unfounded': Māori wards referendum begins today
Many councils chose to set up Māori wards at the 2022 elections, but under new legislation, councils must now ratify them by referendum or abolish them.
Labour goes back to drawing board after bruising by-election defeat
We can catastrophise this and go 'it's the end of the world' - but it's not," Willie Jackson says. Audio
Voting for local body elections begins
Voting for local body elections starts on Tuesday with big orange envelopes showing up in your letterboxes at any moment. Local Government New Zealand chief executive Scott Necklen spoke to Charlotte… Audio
'Deeply wrong': Council to axe 63 roles as election looms
The proposed restructure at Wellington City Council would disestablish 63 jobs, including 31 that are currently vacant.
Ōtorohanga mayor on Tom Phillips shooting
The police say one of Marokopa fugitive Tom Phillips' children gave crucial information which helped officers find their two missing siblings on Monday afternoon. Ōtorohanga district mayor Max Baxter… Audio
Local referendums on Māori wards begin
Local referendums on Māori wards start on Tuesday, marking the latest clash between councils and the government. Te Maruata Māori advisory group network co-chair Toni Boynton spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
What makes a good election hoarding?
Todd Atticus is a designer and has designed plenty of election hoardings and joins Emile Donovan. Audio
A guide to voting in the local elections
So what are the rules around the upcoming elections?
Advocates urge stricter rules for Wairarapa cat bylaw
A wildlife advocacy group is urging Wairarapa councils to go harder on cat regulations in a proposed set of bylaws.
City to Sea bridge closed as demolition preparations begin
Some Wellingtonians are dismayed that the council has closed a bridge linking the city to sea.
Two-dollar public transport fares in Otago drives increase in usage
It costs just $2 a ride to get a bus in Otago, and despite a 50 cent increase coming into effect in the next few weeks, it's still a cheap way to get around. Councillor Andrew Noone spoke to Ingrid… Audio
Te Pāti Māori holds onto Tāmaki Makaurau seat in by-election
Te Pāti Māori has held onto the Tāmaki Makaurau seat, left vacant by the death of Takutai Tarsh Kemp. Incoming MP Oriini Kaipara spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Sealord considers shutting Nelson factory
The Nelson and Tasman regions are staring down what could be a double hit of big job cuts. Nelson mayor Nick Smith spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Couple spend 11 months trying to get consent for granny flat
A couple have spent 11-months and $38,000 trying to get resource and building consent for a granny flat to house an elderly parent. Natalie Akoorie reports. Audio
'Deeply upsetting': Council hopes to put down fewer dogs
Rotorua Lakes council has put out a plea to residents to make informed choices before getting a dog.
