Latest from Local Government
'More powerful than penalties': New ombudsman's vision for change
The new Ombudsman has been in his role for just 12 weeks.
Wayne Brown redesigns a railway station
Reroute buses to stop at the station and get a big developer on board now, says the mayor.
Lawyer praises council's low job settlement costs of $123k over six years
The average annual settlement cost was $20,540.5.
Suspected gas leak forces evacuation of Wellington sports centre
After 90 minutes, firefighters confirmed there was no gas leak at the site.
'Small token of gratitude': $30k council Christmas breakfast explained
The staff Christmas breakfast for 612 employees cost $29,508.91.
‘We’re done with Teams’: German state hits uninstall on Microsoft
Schleswig-Holstein will switch to open-source software in three months.
Opinion: Water issues reveal the burden on ratepayers is already too great
Ratepayers may face doubled costs when new water entities take over.
Water cut to 150 Auckland homes after contractor damages main
Key locations, including a doctor's surgery, have been left without running water.
Smoke or fog? Former chairman fumes at council's pollution doubt
The council said it found little evidence for his orchard burnoff claims.
'You are on notice': Council pulls Māori ward videos after Hobson's Pledge legal letter
Hobson’s Pledge's lawyer said keeping the posts up could invalidate a referendum.
The race for Wairoa: Long-serving deputy taking on mayor for top job
Deputy Mayor Denise Eaglesome-Karekare has had five terms – now she wants the top job.
Nick Clark: How AI could improve local government
OPINION: AI can offer rapid information processing which can be helpful to councillors.
Quorum 'glitch': Councillor absences force submission hearing to pause
The council says it happens 'very rarely', and the mayor says absences were valid.
Burst water main leaves major North Shore suburbs struggling for water
Crews will continue to work on the broken section of water main overnight.
Rates burden shifts: Muriwai's unexpected valuation surge
About 80 of Muriwai's 700 homes were bought out by the council.
'Moved around like cattle': Rough sleepers in makeshift CBD camp trespassed
The council says the operation was necessary due to antisocial behaviour.
From motel owner to mayoral candidate: Steve Gibson vows to curb Hastings rate rises
One woman he visited in Hastings 'burst into tears' over how hard it was to pay.
Vandals remove third chicane as Tamahere road safety row intensifies
Residents complained the chicanes were dangerous and installed without consultation.
Chris Knox: Why it's time to dump Auckland Council's property valuations
OPINION: Council valuations are a year old on release and don't reflect property values.
'We want to stay': Deane pitches China cabin idea but homeless reluctant to leave CBD
Tiny Deane wants to import cabins from China to house the homeless.
Why Hawke's Bay households will pay more for water by 2026
Separate water bills will replace current rates bills.
Who is Alex Baker? Wellington's newest mayoral candidate steps up
Alex Baker joins the mayoral race, bringing the total candidates to seven.
David Seymour talks about targeting Māori in social and health policy
David Seymour explains why he supports Māori charter schools but opposes a Māori Health Authority. Video / NZ Herald
Regional councillor Toi Iti seeks Doug Leeder's seat
He aims to bridge Māori and non-Māori communities on the council.
PM Christopher Luxon and Erica Stanford make immigration announcement
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon alongside Erica Stanfordmakes an immigration announcement. Video / NZ Herald
Excessive heat: Tenant quits lease after apartment hits almost 44C
A laptop battery expanded and pot plants died within a day in the extreme heat.
A leaking 'taonga': $15k grant to help save school pool
Children have been learning to swim in the Clive School pool for more than 76 years.