Local Council
Auckland's Moana festival looks to new government events fund
"I think MBIE have done a really smart thing here and they're going to see the benefits within the one year window of investing in major event and event content."
Five newcomers battle for Hastings Mayoralty
With just over a week to go until voting closes for local elections - the mayoral race in Hastings is heating up. Incumbent mayor Sandra Hazlehurst is stepping down, and five newcomers are vying for… Audio
Inside Mayor School: Where new leaders learn how to run a council
This year marks the 10th session of Mayor School, which began in 1998.
Abuse forces candidate to give up election campaign
Ruapehu District Council has condemned the abuse and harassment of candidates standing in the local elections.
Wrecking ball nears on Masterton Town Hall
A deal has been signed with a demolition contractor to take down Masterton's town hall, with work set to begin this month.
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 3rd October 2025
In today's episode, protestors gathered outside Foreign Minister Winston Peters' home in Auckland on Thursday night in support of those on board the Global Sumud Flotilla; The home of the ASB Classic… Audio
Auckland mayor hits back at claims of a rates hike after f*** off comment
Wayne Brown said his focus is on keeping rates down and stopping wasteful spending.
Only 18 percent have voted in Local Council elections with eight days to go
There are eight days left to vote in local elections, and so far only around 18 percent of eligible voters have handed in their ballots. Local Government New Zealand interim chief executive Scott… Audio
Local election votes significantly up from 2022
More than 622,000 votes have been returned to date, representing just over 18 percent of eligible votes.
Mayor's blunt response to ratepayers lobby group
An email screenshot sighted by RNZ showed Wayne Brown's "unambiguous" reply to the Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance.
Do Aucklanders know there's an election happening?
The mayor wants to "send Wellington a message", but his main opponent isn't sure that's what Aucklanders want - if they even know there's an election at all.
Rolleston 1080 bait factory sold at a loss
The West Coast Regional Council sold its controversial Rolleston 1080 factory last year for $70,000 under valuation, records show.
'Brink of collapse': Anger, confusion at council's new pensioner housing partnership
Residents say they will not be signing new tenancy agreements until they receive assurances over rental fee increases.
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 2 October 2025
In today's episode, more than 11,500 allied health workers have voted to strike for 24 hours as part of a mega strike later this month; Meridian Energy says the government's long-awaited energy… Audio
Auckland Council to trial fortnightly bin collection
Auckland Council is considering halving rubbish collections - cutting the service from weekly to fortnightly. Auckland Council general manager of waste solutions Justine Haves spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
…Regional school bus funding stalemate continues in Manawatu
In Manawatu, regional reporter Jimmy Ellingham tells Nathan the latest on school bus funding, and also heads to Hawke's Bay where he tries to figure out the story of the two Woolworths supermarkets… Audio
Chemical smell linked to cable thefts
All areas of Kawerau have been subject to strong chemical smells over the past week.
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 1st October 2025
In today's episode, the Labour party has slammed changes to the electricity sector announced on Wednesday as "weak and short-sighted"; Psychologist, author and television presenter, Nigel Latta, has… Audio
Chatham Islands to get new supply vessel
A new supply vessel for the Chatham Islands, replacing the ageing Southern Tiare, will be on the water by late 2027. Chathams mayor Monique Croon spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Comments about quitting 'blown out of proportion' - mayor says
The incumbent Auckland mayor Brown has backtracked after saying he might not finish a full term if reelected.
