Local Council
Police called in over death threats to councillors
Angry comments on community forums have grown more heated over the past fortnight as residents compare soaring rate bills, and potential water charges.
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 1st September 2025
In today's episode, Health New Zealand says cuts to graduate nurses' working hours and on-the-job training, will not mean worse outcomes for patients; The government is hoping loans of up to $30… Audio
Watercare to spend $500 million fixing Auckland's leaky pipes
Watercare is spending $500 million to patch up Auckland's leaky water infrastructure over the next 18 months. Watercare chief executive Jamie Sinclair spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Marlborough mayor on govt loans for regional airlines
The government is hoping loans of up to $30 million for regional airlines will help the beleaguered sector - and the regions they serve. Marlborough mayor Nadine Taylor spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Councillor frustrated over lack of answers after Kaitāia's aquifer project budget blow-out
The total cost had blown out to around $18 million.
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 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.
