Local Government
Protesters go for bust over Canterbury election
A protest has been held outside the offices of the Canterbury Regional Council (Ecan) against what the organisers say is a lack of democracy. Video
Mayoral candidates back dedicated Māori seats
Three leading mayoral candidates have backed the idea of dedicated Auckland Council seats for Māori.
Campaign: Auckland (Part 3)
This week, as people have started voting, we hear predictions of an increased turnout, we follow Phil Goff around the Avondale markets, hear what really happened on John Campbell’s bus tour and about… Audio
More than 100 appeal against Unitary Plan
More than 100 legal appeals have been lodged against parts of Auckland's Unitary Plan.
Northland rates rebels win partial victory
The rebel ratepayers of Mangawhai in Northland have won a partial victory in their fight over certain rates, imposed for a wastewater scheme. Audio
Havelock North counts cost of gastro outbreak
Businesses in Havelock North lost out on nearly $90,000 in a week at the peak of the town's gastric illness outbreak last month.
Campaign: Auckland (Part 2)
Campaign: Auckland 2016 is a weekly series in which Todd Niall takes you behind the scenes of the Auckland mayoral race. In Episode two, is the media censoring the minor candidates? Vic Crone's… Audio
Call for more action on meth contaminated houses
The lobby group for homeowners and buyers says local councils and police need a much more coordinated approach to tackle the problem of methamphetamine contaminated houses. Kathryn Ryan speaks to John… Audio
Gisborne mayor's $20 koha 'does not translate into an offence'
Police say no offence was committed by Gisborne mayor Meng Foon when he placed money on a table at a Father's Day function last week. Audio
Spot the Auckland mayoral candidate
Is it Palino, Goff or Thomas? Crone or Bright - or Krum? In a highly unscientific poll, RNZ's Alex Ashton surveyed voters in Onehunga. Audio
Chch City Council to commit 10 percent of spending to resilience
The mayor of Christchurch will today pledge to commit at least 10 percent of the city's spending to prepare for future shocks and stresses.
Greenpeace delivers dam office in protest
Greenpeace has removed the site office of the proposed Ruataniwha Dam and transported it 100km to the office of the Hawke's Bay Regional Council.
Thomas asked to pull out of Auckland mayoral race
Auckland mayoral candidate Mark Thomas says he has been asked to pull out of the race - but will stick around to challenge Phil Goff. Audio
Complaint laid over Gisborne mayor's $20 koha
A complaint under a rule not upheld since the 1920s has been laid against Gisborne's mayor for what he says was a donation at a party. Audio
Council swats down library's anti-youth 'mosquito'
A high-pitched noise used by Christchurch City Council to deter young people from loitering and fighting outside Papanui Library has been turned off. Video
Tighter rules for ash-scattering get go-ahead
The Kapiti Coast District Council has voted for tighter restrictions - but not a ban - on the scattering of human ashes in the region.
Smelter waste stockpile 'ticking time bomb'
A Southland council is being criticised as having failed its community over a major aluminium smelter waste stockpile.
Single claim for Havelock North water crisis assistance fund
Just one Havelock North business hit by the town's water crisis has had its application for financial help processed by the Hastings District Council.
'Wet house' plan to tackle Wellington homelessness
Wellington mayoral candidate Justin Lester says his plan to launch accomodation for alcoholics to continue drinking in a safe place would help addicts.
Lester promises 'wet house' for Wellington addicts
Justin Lester is promising to establish New Zealand's first wet house for alcoholics and drug addicts if he wins the Wellington mayoralty next month.
