Local Government
Wellington to recycle unused buildings into housing
Developers and social housing providers are applauding an initiative to turn under-utilised inner city buildings into social and affordable apartments. Audio
Swim school says council numbers 'don't add up'
A Christchurch swim school fears private businesses will lose out if a council proposal for free swimming lessons goes ahead. Audio
Waiheke locals fight new marina plans
A group of Waiheke Island residents say the marina will be a "floating carpark" for rich boat owners.
How Whanganui's Castlecliff bounced back
Whanganui's Castlecliff has transformed from a suburb in economic decline with a reputation for gang violence into a thriving community. Audio
New $102m tourism fund 'some way' from what councils need
The government's new infrastructure fund falls short of what is needed to help councils pay for more toilets and carparks, a tourism leader says.
Hotel plans prioritise visitors over residents - objectors
Residents opposed to Dunedin's first five-star hotel say it's not right their views will be blocked so tourists can have better ones.
Horowhenua sets up new committee over internal tensions
They sit next to each other at council meetings, but Horowhenua's mayor says he can only talk to his CEO about work within a new committee.
Council earned $140m from stolen land - Treaty group
The New Plymouth District Council is being urged to be up front about the millions of dollars it has earned from land stolen from Waitara hapu in the 1860s.
Residents riled by funeral parlour's plans
A funeral operator's plan to run services from a home in a Christchurch suburb has upset residents, and the council is considering legal action. Audio
Wellington proposes first-home rates discount
Wellington City Council is planning to give first-home buyers of new houses a one-off $5000 rates discount, but some worry it will not be a big enough incentive.
Out of the erosion zone - quake's unexpected boon
The massive Kaikōura earthquake may have saved the town from having to spend millions of dollars protecting itself from coastal erosion.
Auckland Council confirms 74 staff to go from libraries
The Auckland Council has confirmed more than 70 people are going from jobs at its libraries.
Auckland Council told to hurry up on port's future
Auckland Council needs to get cracking on the future of the city's downtown port, a high-powered delegation says. Video
Auckland water supply still weeks away from normal
Auckland's water supply system is starting to recover after storm damage, but could still be weeks away from normal.
Auckland librarians fear long commutes in overhaul
Some Auckland Libraries staff fear they could be forced to travel large distances to work at other branches under restructuring plans proposed by Auckland Council.
Low morale among Auckland librarians - PSA
A high number of voluntary redundancy applications shows there is low morale among Auckland library staff, their union says.
Commission recommends merged Wairarapa councils
Wairarapa's three existing councils would merge into a single body under a draft proposal just released by the Local Government Commission.
Councillors at odds over Palmerston North begging ban
A controversial bylaw that would outlaw begging in Palmerston North has embroiled the city's council in disagreement.
Anti-fluoride group granted Supreme Court appeal
A group opposing the fluoridation of South Taranaki's water supply has been granted a hearing in the Supreme Court.
Development authorities good idea in principle - Goff
Auckland's Mayor has cautiously welcomed a government proposal to create powerful new agencies to drive major urban developments.
