New ZealandHow rate caps and mayor-only boards could reshape your councilRates rises would be capped at between 2% and 4% under the new plan.03 Dec 04:00 AM
New Zealand‘Only one chance’: Northland council urges Kaipara to shut Kai Iwi boat rampJack Craw warns one contaminated boat visit could permanently alter the lakes.03 Dec 12:00 AM
PremiumPremiumOpinionSimon WilsonSimon Wilson: Deliberative democracy and the golf course - what happens if we stop shoutingOPINION: A remarkable exercise in deliberative democracy delivers insights and dignity.02 Dec 04:00 PM
New ZealandGisborne mayor backs rate cap but warns exemptions must be 'timely'From 2029, councils need a regulator sign-off to go above a 4% rate increase.02 Dec 03:50 AM
New ZealandRotorua is ‘back’: Business confidence surgesBusiness leaders report renewed optimism and urge faster progress in Rotorua.01 Dec 05:02 PM
Politics'Stop doing dumb stuff': Govt rubbishes concern rates cap will degrade public servicesCouncils wanting rate rises above the cap would need approval from a new regulator.01 Dec 02:46 AM
PoliticsRevealed: Councils expected to foot a near $48 billion bill for Local Water Done WellOfficials estimate water service infrastructure will cost $47.9 billion to 2034.30 Nov 04:00 PM
New ZealandKaipara leader calls for boat ban at Kai Iwi Lakes over invasive clam threatNearly 19,000 people are expected at Kai Iwi Lakes this year, many with boats.29 Nov 01:43 AM
New Zealand‘An ambitious and exciting step’: Tairāwhiti bid to manage $1.4b investmentA new community-owned entity would decide how the money is split and spent.28 Nov 04:00 PM
New Zealand'Quite ignorant': Council debates committees, sets councillors' payDisagreement over Te Arawa partnership as Rotorua council decides on splitting pay pool.27 Nov 10:22 PM
PremiumPremiumEditorialEditorial: Caution needed moving forward with regional reformsOPINION: Mayors would gain extra responsibilities through new Combined Territories Boards.27 Nov 04:00 PM
PremiumPremiumOpinionWhat's missing from the Govt’s regional council plans - OpinionOPINION: No commitment has been made to cap rates or guarantee lower household bills.27 Nov 03:00 PM
New ZealandGisborne appears spared from local govt changes in draft reform planMayor Rehette Stoltz says the shake-up starts a wider national discussion.27 Nov 04:43 AM
PremiumPremiumAucklandConcerts and cupcakes: Push to pack more shows into Eden Park gets council backingAuckland Council decides to support Government plan for more concerts – 'in principle'.27 Nov 04:39 AM
New ZealandMayors embrace ‘common-sense' regional shake-upThey have embraced a proposal to replace regional councils with mayor-led boards.26 Nov 11:43 PM
New ZealandSomething really stinks in Rotorua - and it’s not the sulphurThe race is on to remove the rotting material as complaints - and dead fish - pile up.26 Nov 05:56 PM
New ZealandAquarium sale possible as Napier council looks to become more viableIn 2026, the aquarium will mark 50 years on its current site.26 Nov 03:23 AM
PoliticsAndrew Little says poll pressure key to his 2017 exit, weighs in on Christopher Luxon's leadership woes'[It's] about understanding the impact you're having on others.' 25 Nov 10:17 PM
PremiumPremiumOpinionThe new 'bomb squad': What to make of Govt's regional council plan?OPINION: 'Your regional councillors are for the scrap heap. Dead folk walking.'25 Nov 09:22 PM
New Zealand‘It hurts’: Rotorua mayor ‘annoyed’ at Labour comments on rough sleepingTania Tapsell says moving people from contracted motels didn’t force them to the streets.25 Nov 06:49 PM
PremiumPremiumOpinionThomas CoughlanThomas Coughlan: The Govt wants to abolish councils, just not the ones you're thinking ofOPINION: The Government's proposal reveals two truths.25 Nov 05:47 AM
Politics'Most significant changes since 1989': Govt plan would scrap regional councillors in sweeping overhaulMayors would take over regional roles under the new proposal.25 Nov 04:00 AM
New ZealandThree in, three out as Rotorua Trust announces election winnersRotorua Trust election brings three new trustees and a shift in leadership.25 Nov 02:49 AM
New Zealand‘More reliable and quicker’: Broken wastewater plant pipe to be replacedRepairs will take at least a week, with work under way at the Rotorua plant.24 Nov 08:16 PM
New Zealand‘Not an optional extra’: Tairāwhiti schools vow to keep Te Tiriti at heart of learningLawyer Tania Waikato has compiled a nationwide list of over 800 schools so far.21 Nov 02:16 AM
New Zealand'Too big, too old and dangerous': Businesses back CBD tree removalsThe council clears four hazardous trees near where a woman was killed by a falling branch.20 Nov 09:02 PM
New ZealandPontoon plan riles rowers, harbourside residentsRegional council says its new facility would slash emergency response times.20 Nov 08:38 PM
New ZealandSH30A fully reopens after tomo repairThe hole in the stretch of road came after NZTA started, then stopped, major works.20 Nov 08:12 PM
New ZealandCause of leak that sent treated wastewater into lake a mysteryThe leak at the Rotorua treatment plant is contained, but health warnings remain.20 Nov 04:32 AM
New ZealandHidden contaminant: Tolaga Bay recreation reserve built over old landfillThe reserve was a landfill until 1986 and used for recreation until 2018.19 Nov 04:19 AM
New ZealandChristmas show canned after burst water main floods theatre It is estimated that a million litres surged into the building.19 Nov 03:00 AM
New ZealandGridlock-causing roadworks pushed to 2026, MP says city was let downNZTA received criticism from multiple levels before making the decision to postpone works.19 Nov 01:05 AM
New ZealandGisborne wins Government approval for $214m local water planThe plan includes $214m investment and renewal of 50km of underground mains.18 Nov 02:57 AM
New ZealandSH30A reopens: Backlash after traffic chaos, weather pauses worksStudents nearly missed NCEA exams as detours caused delays of up to two hours.17 Nov 06:40 PM
