Local Government stories
Councils and ratepayers have been spared steep local bills after NZ Transport Agency kept majority funding for two isolated West Coast roads through 2030.
Ratepayers could see lower risk exposure if the council proceeds, after discussions on a possible sell-down and a record $16.1 million profit.
Fears over housing pressure have prompted the Mackenzie District Council to inspect 655 short-term accommodation properties for rule breaches.
Public trust in a costly staffing review is being tested after errors and AI use allegations prompted fresh scrutiny of Deloitte's analysis.
Ratepayers in Kaikōura and Hurunui may face increases to cover Canterbury's spatial plan, with costs running into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Water restrictions are likely to come in earlier than usual as scientists warn the district faces one of the strongest El Niño events in recent history.
Westport residents are set to share NZD $1.8 million in flood protection funds after the regional council admitted the split was badly communicated.
Footpath parking has surged in Ōpōtiki after six spaces were removed from Church Street, prompting complaints from struggling retailers.
Wairoa councils will soon be able to clear river mouths and debris sooner, after floods exposed delays in emergency response.
Ratepayers in South Wairarapa will avoid a funding gap of up to NZD $35 million after NZTA agreed to keep Cape Palliser Rd largely subsidised for three years.
Homeowners and builders are still coping with cost and consenting pressures, but most recent projects avoided major disruption.
Council chiefs faced intense scrutiny after a review said six deaths in the Mount Maunganui landslide were preventable, with inquiries still under way.
Emergency response funding could be squeezed under planned rates caps, prompting Southland Civil Defence to seek an exemption from the Minister.
Safety gains from raised road platforms in Hamilton are outweighing complaints, as councils review costly fixes for faulty installations.
Farmers in West Sussex can now spot heat stress earlier after a private 5G link put in-pen sensors on livestock buildings.
Residents across Wairarapa and Tararua are set to gain safer, more reliable water services as Waitī Waters prepares for a July launch.
Restoring full access to the Mount Maunganui base could require up to GBP £38 million in slope works, a risk assessment says.
Lake advocates say the wall may keep corroding for years, with repairs now pushed into 2027 and costs put at up to GBP £12.5 million.
Residents say crashes are likely to rise if Nelson council removes speed cushions that cut traffic and reduced collisions on Tāhunanui Hills roads.
Heavy vehicles will be diverted from a vital Dannevirke route after tests found the 103-year-old Rawhiti Bridge is far weaker than thought.
