Infrastructure

Lower Hutt's mayor says most metropolitan councils will soon face the same problem Wellington does on funding water infrastructure. Audio

Auckland's Entrust election is nearing the end of its voting period, but will this year's candidates be able to break the 30 year chokehold one group has had on it? Audio

A global survey indicates two thirds of the population believe New Zealand is not doing enough to meet infrastructure needs.

Sounds Air says all regional airlines are "increasingly desperate" and need backing from the government - and Shane Jones has floated the idea of a dedicated fund. Audio

Officially recommended changes include giving one minister the ability to nominate projects, and putting the final say on approving them to a panel of experts.

The airline was operating the service at a loss which was not uncommon for regional services, its boss says. Audio

Analysis - External events can severely disrupt the flow of goods, delay deliveries or damage critical infrastructure.

"This is always going to be an emotional subject," but could help with water security, one councillor says. Audio

A man working nearby said he thought the council was putting in "a kayak lane" and lamented the impact on local businesses.

South Wairarapa and Carterton households could be faced with an average water bill of $7000 by 2035 if Wairarapa councils go solo for transformational water reform.

The government has revisited plans for a complete rebuild of the hospital.

Tracey Collis says there is little public support for a toll on the replacement Manawatū Tararua highway.

The revamp will take two years, transforming the airport into a regional transport hub.

Mahé Drysdale has voted against adding fluoride to the city's water supply, saying he has "real question marks around safety" and wants more assurances it did not pose a risk.

Analysis - Success will hinge on getting the details right and, more importantly, getting the politics out of infrastructure planning.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones has labelled the decision "perilous".