Local Government Stories

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Local Government stories

Nvidia's AI tools drive smart city pilots across Europe

Cities from Liverpool to Gothenburg are using Nvidia's AI tools to cut admin time, improve safety and lower operating costs in public services.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • 2 days ago

Stories from Other Regions

Local Government stories

Local Government

Ashburton councillor warns pay-per-litre water charges 'within five years'

Households in Mid Canterbury could soon face metered water bills, as Ashburton Council warns the proposed charging model may be compulsory within five years.

By Jonathan Leask • 4 min read • Yesterday

Local Government

Footpath petition questioned; Councillor says he unknowingly signed it

Questions over the validity of a 263-name petition have put pressure on Ashburton's footpath plans, after a councillor said he signed it by mistake.

By Jonathan Leask • 4 min read • Yesterday

Local Government

Arts Village granted lease reprieve, but mayor warns 'no more free rides'

Rotorua ratepayers will fund the Arts Village for another year after councillors backed a rent-free lease, despite warnings over rising costs.

By Mathew Nash • 6 min read • Yesterday

Real estate

Homebuyers face confusion over unconsented work

Council guidance on new consent exemptions is leaving buyers wary, as more properties come under scrutiny for hidden unconsented work.

By Claire Taylor • 3 min read • Yesterday

Commercial Property

$100m in Whangārei ratepayer-funded assets earmarked for transfer

Public consultation has opened on moving nearly NZD $100 million in Whangārei assets, including the Hundertwasser Art Centre and marinas, into a council company.

By Susan Botting • 5 min read • 2 days ago

Local Government

Thames pool gets $35k paint job to ward off black mould

A three-week summer closure will let Thames' Centennial Pool be repainted so black mould does not return and water quality standards are met.

By Jordan Smith • 3 min read • 2 days ago

Local Government

Councils stung with rising audit costs

Kaikōura District Council spent more than $200,000 on its annual audit last year, fuelling wider concerns that compliance costs are climbing for ratepayers.

By David Hill • 3 min read • 2 days ago

Grants

Hawke's Bay council records biggest capital programme

Only NZD $347,000 was left for unexpected costs after Hawke's Bay Regional Council spent a record NZD $75.1 million on capital projects.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Today

Digital Transformation

NiCE Cognigy urges wider AI use across public services

Public bodies could cut admin and free staff for frontline cases if ministers back AI tools with stronger oversight and safeguards.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 6 min read • 3 days ago

Data Analytics

New Zealand firms race ahead with AI despite data gaps

Despite weak data foundations, 65 per cent of local organisations are already running AI projects, while many cannot measure success effectively.

By Mara Sugue • 4 min read • Yesterday

Disaster Recovery

Wellington City Council buying out property affected by April flash flooding

One homeowner is set to be bought out after April's flash floods, as Wellington City Council says the site faces landslip risk from its own land.

By Ellen O'Dwyer • 3 min read • 3 days ago

Local Government

Costly dilemma: $20m price tag to replace South Wairarapa bridge

A century-old South Wairarapa bridge now faces a $20 million replacement bill after engineers found it needs strengthening and is too weak for heavy vehicles.

By Emily Ireland • 4 min read • 3 days ago