Emily Ireland

A "confidential settlement" has brought an end to a lengthy legal dispute over Wairarapa's defective hospital.

The council notices - issued seven years ago - required remediation to be completed by 2021, but this date was incorrect.

A Town Hall option labelled "risky" and impracticable will now go to the public for consultation.

Masterton District Council's preferred plans for its town hall, library, and municipal buildings have an estimated combined cost of $49 million.

Carterton Mayor Ron Mark is standing firm on his support for the amalgamation of Wairarapa's three councils, despite Masterton postponing talks.

The oak is one of 34 trees remaining from an Arbour Day planting event at Carterton in 1904.

The fate of a 122-year-old oak tree is in the hands of Carterton councillors after being deemed to be "compromised".

Carterton District Council will be asked to scrap a multimillion-dollar water processing project in a bid to save ratepayers footing a hefty bill.

The Ombudsman has faced fierce criticism over his recommendations for councils to open workshops to the public.

The pipe supplying the only source of drinking water to the town remains at high risk of failure and an urgent solution is needed, experts say.

The government's withdrawal of the Voting Age Bill is disrespectful and discriminatory, a youth advocate says.

As deadlines draw nearer for owners to fix earthquake-prone buildings, Masterton's mayor says things "could get quite messy".

Council policies on te reo Māori are not affected by the government's rollback, the local government minister has confirmed.

South Wairarapa District Council is seeking the endorsement of a refreshed Māori Policy that will ingrain the use of te reo Māori within the organisation and community.

A former Wairarapa District Health Board employee may need to pay $20,000 to Te Whatu Ora after unsuccessfully challenging her dismissal in Employment Court.

Martinborough's growth will be stunted for two years as a result of the town's non-compliant wastewater treatment plant.

Raw sewage, "third-world" conditions causing sickness, and years of what residents describe as "criminal negligence" by the council - Masterton's Cockburn Street residents have had enough.

The great slowdown of the region's roads continues with Masterton District Council's new draft speed management plan proposing slashed speed limits around schools, marae, and on "high-risk" roads.

The council's chief executive said youth's were the least likely to vote so lowering the age would not improve democracy in local government.

However, the council says it is still safe to drink and improvements are being made.

Swings have been removed from a Carterton playground after a national standards survey, with concerns about items at four other playgrounds.

In recent weeks, pump stations have been getting blocked up by wet wipes and similar items, says Carterton District Council.

More than half of the warehouses examined in a new study are designed poorly and pose a threat to people.

A new street in Carterton will immortalise the legacy of former mayor and member of parliament Georgina Beyer.

Only 9 percent of South Wairarapa residents are happy with council decisions and actions last year, a damning perception survey shows.