Local Government stories
Nearly 30 older residents learnt simple preparedness steps as Northland councils and emergency services urged stronger community links before disasters.
Westport's flood defences face further delay after a USD $6.7 million Government funding bid was turned down, widening the scheme shortfall.
Ratepayers may face a cheaper bill by replacing the 97-year-old Alfredton bridge, after repair estimates climbed above the cost of a new structure.
Residents question why Whakatāne Council resurfaced one street with asphalt after saying the treatment was too costly for most roads.
Complaints have climbed to 95 in the past year, as Invercargill council warns poor dog ownership may be worsening alongside attacks.
Access to Tauranga council records is under scrutiny after Glen Crowther said he had to review landslide files in a supervised room without notes.
Motorists on State Highway 25 should see fewer bottlenecks from next year as NZTA replaces the ageing Ramarama Stream Bridge with a two-lane crossing.
Falling corporate suites and memberships are leaving Wellington's regional stadium unable to fund a GBP £42 million maintenance programme itself.
A targeted rate is being considered for Kawau Island after Wayne Brown said mainland Aucklanders should not subsidise its waste services.
Councils could receive funding from international visitor levy receipts two years earlier under National's plan, with Auckland due NZD $19.1 million.
Ratepayers could face a NZD $141,388 repair bill as Hauraki council moves to bring three water plants up to code.
Local councils will get a national baseline as Ottawa seeks to curb power bills, water use and hidden impacts from new data centres.
Ratepayers face an extra NZD $1.286 million bill over three years unless Tararua's road funding cut is reversed.
Councils and ratepayers have been spared steep local bills after NZ Transport Agency kept majority funding for two isolated West Coast roads through 2030.
Ratepayers could see lower risk exposure if the council proceeds, after discussions on a possible sell-down and a record $16.1 million profit.
Fears over housing pressure have prompted the Mackenzie District Council to inspect 655 short-term accommodation properties for rule breaches.
Public trust in a costly staffing review is being tested after errors and AI use allegations prompted fresh scrutiny of Deloitte's analysis.
Ratepayers in Kaikōura and Hurunui may face increases to cover Canterbury's spatial plan, with costs running into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Water restrictions are likely to come in earlier than usual as scientists warn the district faces one of the strongest El Niño events in recent history.
Westport residents are set to share NZD $1.8 million in flood protection funds after the regional council admitted the split was badly communicated.
