Local Council
One year on from Wairoa flood
It has been one year since the Wairoa River burst its banks, flooding hundreds of properties on the south side of town. Hawke's Bay and Tai Rawhiti reporter Alexa Cook reports. Audio
Apartments at least 15 storeys allowed around three Auckland CRL stations
The government has instructed Auckland Council to allow apartments of at least 15 storeys around three key train stations, as the City Rail Link nears completion. Auckland Councillor Richard Hills… Audio
Hospital ditches coal in favour of landfill gas
Nelson Hospital is not burning coal this winter for the first time since the late 1800s.
Another council draws line in sand over seabed mining in Taranaki
A recent vote sees New Plymouth join Whanganui and South Taranaki district councils in formally opposing seabed mining. Audio
Is this the end for New Zealand's Richard Nixon statue?
A small Tasman town faces an important question: keep the infamous statue of the disgraced US president or build a community hub instead?
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 25 June 2025
In today's episode, the Foreign Minister Winston Peters is again calling for a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict, saying diplomacy must come first, not last, the longest ad ever made in… Audio
New Plymouth Councillor votes against colleagues on sea bed mining
After hours of debate the New Plymouth District Councillors voted overwhelmingly to join the Whanganui and South Taranaki district councils in their opposition. New Plymouth District Councillor who… Audio
Bulk of New Plymouth District Councillors oppose seabed mining
The bulk of district councillors in New Plymouth have voted to draw a line in the sand and oppose seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight. Amanda Clinton-Gohdes is the councillor who tabled the… Audio
Regional Council chair on calls to scrap regional councils
A regional council boss wants any changes to their make-up to be underpinned by good, solid governance. Bay of Plenty Regional Council chair Doug Leeder spoke to Alexa Cook. Audio
Northland doctors blame colonoscopy wait times on pay cuts
Doctors in Northland are blaming a massive increase in wait times for colonoscopies in the last six months on Health NZ's decision to cut pay rates for locums. Ruth Hill reports. Audio
Shane Jones questions place of regional government
"What is the point of regional government?" That's the question the regional development minister posed to a meeting of local government officials last week. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones… Audio
Auckland rail network to partially close to get ready for CRL
Commuters in our biggest city are staring down another lengthy rail closure. KiwiRail's Dave Gordon spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Golf NZ rejects council plan to halve Takapuna course
Golf NZ is backing an alternative proposal to keep all of the course's 18 holes but use some of the land for dry-basin flood management.
New mapping technology to help Auckland Council combat major flooding events
A low flying helicopter equipped with Lidar sensors has been mapping the city's critical waterways.
Resident clashes with council over noisy building site
The councils says there are no limits to the building site's operating hours as it is in an industrial zone.
Local elections are coming - Here's what you need to know
From playgrounds to cycle lanes, roaming pets to stinky rubbish, local authorities are responsible for planning and managing your city, town or district.
Council chief executive calls for more staff as goldmine delays bite
Following a raft of complaints about wait times for resource consents, the West Coast Regional Council has conceded it needs to take on more employees.
New Plymouth ponders first-ever PPP for inner-city revamp
The proposal includes removing the Metro Plaza, and the creation of a public walkway and footbridge across the Huatoki.
Mayor rejects dog taskforce amid calls for action from residents
Wayne Brown says he acknowledges the rising concerns about roaming dogs, but insists the council is already addressing the issue.
Light trail to celebrate Matariki goes on display
Auckland Council said the trail is guided by light and sound effects created by Māori artists.
