Latest from Public Interest - LDR
Rotorua council takes back control of parking services
The decision ends the fully outsourced parking model introduced in mid-2018.
The amalgamation debate: Mayor claims 'no one’s prepared to act'
Tauranga mayor wants 'tough' conversations now. Where do the 3 other BoP leaders stand?
Gisborne highway speed limits kept low after strong community support
More than 1200 submissions were received during the six-week consultation.
80,000 books: Library service reaches schools, rest homes and young offenders
Some customers have been using the service for more than 20 years.
Council's flood response leaves resident frustrated
Residents built a sandbag wall to protect homes from flooding.
‘Every f***ing year’: Marlborough residents survey damage to flooded township
An Air Force Unimog was used to evacuate 20 stranded people at Para Swamp.
'Step in the right direction': Council to investigate land return to hapū
The decision comes after a petition signed by more than 2500 people.
Rates hike approved amid protest: How much more you'll pay
About 60 people protested the increase, calling for a 0% rates rise.
Northland’s council water shake-up: Big changes, bigger bills ahead?
About 130,000 water connections in Northland will be affected by new plans.
'Simply irresponsible': Fee hikes increase the cost of dying
Funeral directors are upset about new charges, with costs to be passed to clients.
'Watching over us': Pou whenua unveiling start of Rangatira Marae's path forward for rebuild
The pou is dedicated to Wi Haronga and serves as a guardian for the project.
Local election guide: What you need to know ahead of voting day
Nominations for council seats open July 4 and close August 1 at midday.
Revealed: The first four housing projects backed by $100m fund
It will enable 65 homes in Tauranga South, Pāpāmoa, Greerton and Bethlehem.
Guardian patrols extend to Rotorua Central mall
A retail worker says she has noticed a difference.
'We'll keep the fire burning': Ngāti Oneone remains committed to land reclamation protest
An online petition supporting the hapū has over 1950 signatures.
Why a 'cute' pet is now included in a pest management plan
Hint: They are more likely to degrade waterways than mutate into a crime-fighting team.
'Staff taking the hit': Workload worries as council slashes jobs
Tauranga City Council is cutting 98 jobs to save $12.3 million and reduce rates.
'We won't be funding it': Roads for 8000-home development debated
The development in Te Tumu is set to house 15,500 people when completed.
Lawyer praises council's low job settlement costs of $123k over six years
The average annual settlement cost was $20,540.5.
Claim councillor told another to '**** off' after 'true history' clash
The councillor says he did not say the words – but his meaning was correctly inferred.
'Drinking, urinating, littering': Gisborne booze ban extension gains majority support
80% support adding Kaiti Memorial Park and areas around Kaiti School to a ban zone.
Quorum 'glitch': Councillor absences force submission hearing to pause
The council says it happens 'very rarely', and the mayor says absences were valid.
'Moved around like cattle': Rough sleepers in makeshift CBD camp trespassed
The council says the operation was necessary due to antisocial behaviour.
'Decades of underinvestment': Gisborne play space to get significant upgrade
The Elgin project will cost $190,000, the only significant renewal until 2027.
Kaipara’s ‘Trump of the North’ Jepson exits mayoral race, endorses deputy
Craig Jepson won't seek a second term as Kaipara Mayor in October.
Speedway deal: Proposal to sell Baypark stand for $1, extend lease
The council is mulling plans to extend speedway operations at Baypark until 2039.
Permit reduction likely for Gisborne truck route
New maps exclude Ormond Rd from the NZTA’s ‘H’ permit system.