Local Council
Petition calls for inquiry into Papatoetoe election
The petition cites turnout anomalies, alleged issues with ballot handling and concerns about the integrity of postal voting.
Seaview sewage plant stench to return
After an operational error at the plant, Wellington Water has warned residents to expect and prepare for bad smells.
Recount confirms outcome of hotly-contested Porirua seat
There were just nine votes separating the top two candidates.
Canterbury mayors say it's time to consider fireworks ban
Two Canterbury mayors say they back a ban on fireworks sales, while a third believes a ban is "inevitable".
Forged by hardship: Auckland's new councillors bring lived experience
Auckland Council's newest members are bringing "energy, realism and insight" to the table.
Lake Hāwea bottle store backers push growth, community benefits
A record 538 submissions opposed the liquor licence for a proposed Super Liquor, which would be the small southern town's first standalone bottle store. Audio
Dunedin City Council's new water plan given green light
The council opted to retain in-house control of its drinking water, wastewater and stormwater.
Remote town fights to keep chlorine out of its water
Haast locals say they used to enjoy some of the purest water in the country, until the arrival of a new water regulator.
Council's $300,000 Christmas decorations raise eyebrows
Auckland Council has commissioned an artist to build a series of five-metre tall pillars but some in the city are saying the price tag is too high. Audio
Nelson shop's profit drops 70% as major roadworks close street
Just a few weeks into a major infrastructure upgrade in central Nelson, local businesses were weathering the disruptions differently.
Otago Regional Council green lights mining for five more years
The Otago Regional Council has approved the Macraes operation until 2030, through a non-notified process.
'Unnecessary' for ratepayers to fund meals, newly-elected councillor says
First-time Auckland councillors have given their maiden speeches, sharing their priorities for the next three years.
Court orders recount of votes in Porirua City Council's Māori ward
Candidate Jess Te Huia made the application to Porirua District Court last month.
New Mayors for Selwyn, Ashburton districts
Jonathan Leask joins First Up from the neighbourhoods around mid-Canterbury where there are two new mayors Audio
Council gets green light to withdraw from part of housing plan
Christchurch and Auckland councils argued the Medium Density Residential Standards were not right for their cities.
State Highway 2 to be raised 1.8 metres as flood project gets under way
It is part of a $22 million flood protection project for the cyclone-hit community of Whirinaki.
Mistaken for a secretary: Life as a lone female councillor
The only female elected member at a southern council admits you sometimes have to put on "armour" for the job.
Global gold for Hastings water project
There's gold in the water in Hastings, or at least in the way they're helping people learn about it.
Where councillor salaries have jumped by up nearly a third
The Remuneration Authority has set pay for elected members across Whanganui, Ruapehu, Rangitīkei and Horizons Regional councils.
Napier residents rage over new housing plan
The city is opening the door to six-storey terraced housing and apartment-style living - upsetting some locals.
