Local Council
Parking wardens face abuse after fines hiked
Last October, infringement costs rose by an average of 70 percent for overstaying or parking inconsiderately at Invercargill City Council-controlled parking spaces.
'Nature takes no prisoners': The billion dollar cost of river erosion
The river is cutting in and taking trees away on land north of Marlborough but the council can't stop it without forking out a billion dollars.
'Truly shocked': Rotorua mayor criticises Hobson's Pledge for using her image
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell has criticised Hobson's Pledge for using her image without permission in a social media post critical of Māori wards.
Morning Report Essentials for Friday 29 August 2025
In today's episode, Trade Minister Todd McClay met with senior US officials in Washington last week, pushing for a reduction to the 15 percent tariff on New Zealand exports; From Auckland mayor Wayne… Audio
Residents furious over 'very blunt instrument' intensification plan
About 200 people packed out the Mt Eden Village Centre for a heated meeting. Audio
The battle raging over a historic set of lights in a seaside suburb
A community board heard impassioned pleas in front of a packed public gallery.
'I couldn't live with myself if someone else got hurt' - Local board chair
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says safety threats are increasingly affecting anyone willing to put their name forward for politics.
Residents brace for legal battle against proposed South Auckland cleanfill site
One neighbour told Checkpoint she was worried someone would lose their life on busy access roads. Audio
Northland to set up cross-council water organisation
All three of Northland's district councils have voted to create a single, Northland-wide company to manage the region's drinking water and wastewater systems.
Ombudsman calls out council for too many secret meetings
The Marlborough District Council held 81 briefings and workshops over this council's three-year term.
Grey rates pain sparks call to revive Ratepayers Association
Less than half of eligible Grey electors voted in 2022.
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 28th August 2025
In today's episode, the government has signed off on loosening alcohol restrictions; Residents of the now destroyed Loafers Lodge hostel are pained recalling the memories of the deadly fires that… Audio
Waitaki facing 38 percent rates increase to pay for water
A South Island mayor says he's failed his ratepayers who are facing an almost 40 percent increase in rates over the next two years to pay for water. Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
…Concerns raised about over-tourism in Queenstown
There are serious concerns about tourism in Queenstown, Katie Todd has the news from the neighbourhood of the Lakes District. Audio
Central Hawke's Bay's mayoral hopefuls go head-to-head
The incumbent and her rival debated the region's water woes and rates rises.
Wayne Brown skips first mayoral debate
NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson was moderating the debate and joins Emile Donovan to discuss. Audio
Mayor warns of huge rates hike after council quits joint water plan
A ratepayers group in Waitaki backs its district council's independent water plan - despite the mayor lamenting that he has failed ratepayers.
Council spending won't be investigated by Auditor-General
Despite several request the Auditor-General's office will not look into spending by Tauranga City Council between 2021 and 2024.
'Fat, useless, plastic poly': Women candidates speak out on hoarding vandalism
Election hoardings have been vandalised and graffitied with offensive and racist words.
Mayor apologises for council laughter over rates pushback
A Greymouth election candidate has called out councillors for laughing when they were asked about pushback over recent rate increases.
