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Supermarkets, liquor outlets fight bid for freeze on new bottle stores
A health official says Rotorua's alcohol-related harm is now above the national average.

Council signs $91m, 15-year lease for new office building
It is also putting about $33.5 million into the interior fit-out of the building.

'We just want our steps back': Council criticised for ‘sneaky’ beach access closure
Lawyer Neil Weatherhead called the closure 'sneaky' and 'unlawful'.

Top jobs open up at Auckland Council - but there's a catch
There is the potential to earn from $31,000 to $300,000-plus a year.

Previously withheld polling reveals who Wellingtonians are backing for mayor
Tory Whanau says the poll isn't her focus.

'Big deal': Hopes for change as city adopts first accessibility policy
About 25% of Rotorua’s population, roughly 20,000 people, have disabilities.

'Claims are weak': Court dismisses bid to halt marine precinct sale
An injunction stopping the sale of Tauranga's Marine Precinct is no longer in force.

'She died in my arms': Dog's death sparks road safety campaign
Surf instructor wants the speed limit on a coastal road reduced to 30km/h.

‘Unfair’: Mount businesses struggle with proposed street dining fees
Businesses say the plan is 'flawed' and 'bizarre' at a time when eateries are hard-hit.

'Atrocious': Alder slams attendance records of some councillors
Average attendances range from 67% to 100%; genuine reasons but other excuses criticised

Councillor Tupara questions 'why it is an issue' over low meeting attendance rate
Nick Tupara's attendance fell from 87.2% in first year of term to 41.2% since October.

Teen's 160km hīkoi backing Māori wards referendum
Jack Karetai-Barrett's inviting others to join the walk, aiming to raise awareness.

Kaipara lifts water restrictions after steady rain boosts supply
A 22km pipeline will help Dargaville's water supply but not until the end of 2026.

Gisborne families to be housed as 10 new Kāinga Ora homes blessed
New tenants, previously in temporary housing, move in next week.

Council assessing Rotorua lake weed build-up
Rotting weed can cause a strong smell and build-up happens after bad weather.

Tauranga Māori ward by-election: What voters need to know
Voting opens today in the Te Awanui Ward by-election for Tauranga council.

Canterbury farmers ask MPs to cut red tape
Minister Nicola Grigg acknowledged that farmers were 'burdened' by paperwork.

Rotorua public feedback sought on draft annual plan, water service options
Public can provide input until May 5 on the council's new feedback website.

Tauranga byelection: Q&As with the five candidates
Voting for Tauranga's new Māori ward councillor begins on Monday.

Calls for action as feral cats impact 14% of East Coast farms
Feral cats are estimated to be on 14% of East Coast farms.

Mayor raises security concerns after abusive messages
The discussion was prompted by a protester's emotional outburst in a public meeting.