Local Council
Blenheim wins sunniest spot in NZ
Blenheim has secured the award for sunniest spot in New Zealand for 2024. It comes after NIWA released its annual climate summary for the year, which saw an ongoing warming trend locally, and around… Audio
'Radio Silence' on Dunediun Hospital's future
Residents in the lower South Island are still in the dark about the future of the new Dunedin Hospital. Local leaders say they expected a decision would be made before Christmas, but instead they have… Audio
Work suspended on Gisborne sewer blockage
Work to unblock the Mangapapa pipes which were blocked by improperly disposed garden waste has stalled due to heavy rain.
Popular swing given the axe by council
Hastings council removed tree branches and the attached swing at a waterfall in Hawke's Bay because swinging into the pool below was deemed to be risky.
Rubbish or 'a good idea'? Residents weigh in on collection changes
Rotorua Lakes Council will introduce weekly food and green waste kerbside collection from July 2026, while its general rubbish collection will reduce to one fortnightly pick-up.
Wellingtonians hopeful for abandoned cinema site
A bowling alley? Mini-golf? Or a post office? These are some of their ideas for the Reading Cinema redevelopment. Audio
Mini-golf, post office, shops on wishlist for Reading cinemas site
Residents and business owners are also hopeful the sale of the site will rejuvenate the capital's nightlife district. Audio
Wellington's abandoned Reading Cinema sold
Tory Whanau is welcoming the sale of the city's earthquake-prone Reading Cinema after a proposed $32m deal fell through last year.
Council shames 'brainless numpty' toilet vandals
The Southland District Council has publicly shamed the "brainless numpty" who vandalised Riverton's new $620,000 public toilets.
Water quality safety warning lifted for two Canterbury waterways
It's great news for swimmers, Te Whatu Ora says.
NZ's priciest pools: Where swimmers pay top dollar
Swimmers in Dunedin and Tauranga are paying top dollar, with pool entrance fees in the cities the priciest for the country.
Ōpōtiki street terrorised by roaming dogs
A woman says she was rushed and bailed up by a pack of dogs in the latest in a spate of dog incidents on Ford Street.
Dancers tiptoe around looming eviction
The axe still hangs above Balmoral Hall in Ashburton, but its dancers are at least relieved they have time to find a new venue.
Christchurch community pool rebuild greenlit
A new community pool is to be built in the Christchurch suburb of St Albans, 18 years after the previous one was demolished.
How to recycle your Christmas tree
If you bought your live tree in the first flush of festive spirits, chances are it'll be looking past its use-by date by now. Here's how to get rid of it without causing an eyesore.
New Zealand-first $200m education-arts hub on the cards for Whangārei
The hub will be based around the former Forum North headquarters, only partial use since the council vacated the building for its new civic facility.
Division, abuse and rates pain: Local politics year in review
A rising tide of abuse, escalating costs and the clash between central and local government - Marika Hill looks back at local politics in 2024.
Olympian Mahé Drysdale on his new life as mayor of Tauranga
Drysdale was elected in July as part of the first council to take back democratic control of the city.
'It's huge that my community picked me' - Gisborne deputy mayor to step aside
After 11 years in local government, while raising four kids as a single dad and co-parenting two, Gisborne's deputy mayor will not be seeking re-election in 2025.
West Coast better prepped than ever before for the big one
The region has come a long way in the past couple of years, in terms of planning and resources for a major event.
