Local Council
Historic Otago buildings on the council chopping block
The Central Otago District Council has a plan that could save millions, but many locals say it comes at the cost of history, heritage and community. Audio
Vote set for sugary drinks ban at Palmerston North council venues
A proposal to ban the sale of fizzy and other sugary drinks at some Palmerston North venues could go flat.
Volunteers warn more is needed to halt invasive seaweed species
A hapū tackling the invasive seaweed caulerpa warns it will spread to the rest of the country, devastating coastal environments and economies, unless more is invested in stopping it short where it is…
Lights, flights back on, but storm clean-up far from finished
Transport services have resumed, but local councils warn that storm damage repairs could take weeks. Audio
'Politics has become an ugly place': Tory Whanau on mayoral role
As a progressive mayor she has also had to deal with the "old guard" resistant to change, the outgoing mayor says. Audio
What you need to know about Auckland's local elections
Some voters may be eligible to vote multiple times based on property ownership.
Wellington mops up after storm as power cuts, travel chaos lingers
The blustery wind and driving rain may have died down but power cuts, ferry cancellations, flight backlogs and rubberneckers still confound the capital. Audio
Broken wastewater pipe causes sinkhole
The council says contractors have secured the site and wastewater is being redirected to a nearby pump station.
Tree that endangered woman during storm not on council's radar
However, she wants the council to heavily chop back two pohutukawa trees, after her narrow escape.
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 1 May 2025
In today's episode, a state of emergency has been declared for Canterbury's Selwyn district, a senior emergency doctor says serious staff shortages that are affecting patient care has driven her to… Audio
Dire outlook for Taupo hospital, plans for sika deer management
Taupo reporter Dan Hutchinson has an update on the town's hospital Audio
Tauranga's Marine Precinct sale contract settled - council
The $13.98 million sale to a Christchurch developer was halted by a last-minute High Court interim injunction.
The Pre-Panel for 30 April 2025
Jesse Mulligan is joined by The Panel host Wallace Chapman and producer Sam Hollis. They discuss a man who tried to sue his local council for millions after injuring himself on a broken swing. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 30 April 2025
In today's episode, the Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says Cabinet has agreed to reinstate a total ban on prisoners voting in general elections, Labor leader Anthony Albanese remains on track to… Audio
Tory Whanau bows out of re-election bid
Andrea Vance joins Nights to discuss Tory Whanau's mayoralty and the challenges that face Wellington City in the upcoming local council elections. Audio
Council defends process that led to call to demolish City to Sea Bridge
Lawyers for Wellington City Council deny staff pushed councillors towards demolishing the City to Sea Bridge.
Wellington council defends process that led to call to demolish City to Sea Bridge
Lawyers for Wellington City Council say councillors were given multiple options, and deny staff pushed them towards demolishing the City to Sea Bridge.
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 29 April 2025
In today's episode, Wellington mayor Tory Whanau won't be contesting the mayoralty again come October, rain-weary Northlanders are preparing for another deluge, with a new heavy rain watch in force… Audio
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau on pulling out of mayoral race
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau won't be contesting the mayoralty again come October. Whanau spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 29 April 2025
In today's episode, the Finance Minister has announced the government will slash new spending in the upcoming budget, Wellington will elect a new mayor later this year after Tory Whanau confirmed she… Audio
