'Overworked and underpaid': They care for the land that cradles the dead, but don't get a living wage
They left their parks and cemeteries, to swap spades for protest signs.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest fromLocal Democracy
Workers at 'lowest paying local council employer' to strike tomorrow
More than 70 workers will down tools for eight days.
Drag queens' Rainbow Storytime cancelled over 'safety concerns'
Decision follows 'hostile dialogue' and 'rapid spread of misinformation'.
Council backs down on paid Mount parking, plans enforcement crackdown
Local businesses are pleased the council has backed down on paid parking plans.
'It's a sad day for Rotorua': Iconic tourism business in liquidation
What liquidators say the tourism company owes.
'Disappointing': ‘Super’ bus stops near planned 'significant' project opposed
The council proposed two new 90m bus stops on either side of Durham St south.
Councillors clash over Rainbow Storytime event, drag queen hits back at criticism
Protest and counter-action signalled for library reading session.
'All hell breaks loose': Rotorua pest specialist deals to pesky wasp nest
When the probe went down, the wasps came up.
"It just blasted": Unusual plumes of steam and bubbles from geothermal bore
“All of a sudden something happened and it just blasted.”
'No robust evidence' Kāinga Ora activities impact house prices, agency says
A councillor disagrees, referencing locals’ 'terrible, sad and upsetting stories'.
Free bus fares could be axed after Government pulls funding
The council’s public transport committee discussed its options.
What does council’s Long-Term Plan mean for Aucklanders?
Rising rates, council cutbacks and plugging a fuel-tax hole.
'Couldn't move': Allergic woman trapped in home as 'millions' of wasps swarm
She's happy to help pay for pest management, but there's just one problem.
New stadium to be delivered in stages and construction pushed back
Budget restraints have been caused by the need to improve water infrastructure.
Northlanders asked to take photos of super-high king tides
'Your photo may help us identify areas that are already at risk from higher water levels.'
Wellington Water fails to meet performance targets
It aimed to resolve drinking water callouts within five days, but averaged 56.
'Swallowing a dead rat': Rules put council between ‘a rock and a hard place’
The new rules allow for greater housing density in Ōmokoroa and Te Puke.
Maggots, rats, poo on the walls: Tenants paid up to $600pw at 'disgusting' lodge
The lodge owner says: 'You can't please everyone'.
Lakeland Queen saga: Decision-making process a 'slap in the face of democracy'
Call to disband committee that decided dry-docked paddle steamer must leave reserve.
Council backs down on ‘cash-grab’ sports fees
'Where we’ve landed is probably reasonably fair.'
Tauranga ratepayers face 15.8 per cent rates hike, Cameron Rd works delayed
Homeowners face paying another 11.1 per cent on average.
‘Drastically unfair’: The landowner facing a 500 per cent rates hike
The Christchurch-based owner has challenged the proposed increase.
Council suitcase used once after ‘exorbitant’ purchase
Expensive suitcase used for bringing back delicate items stored out of sight in archives.
'Concern and uncertainty': Will treasured community hall be demolished?
The community was told demo plans were under way but council now says it's still deciding.
Controversial road closure leads to $5m in fines
Since the cul-de-sac was created in March 2022, 34,299 fines have been issued.
'Told to move on': Rough sleepers describe restless nights in Rotorua
With homeless people asked to leave reserves, does Rotorua need a night shelter again?
Slip-damaged road remains closed after plea from kaumātua
The road was previously used by 'rat runners' to avoid SH2.
Paula Bennett confirms she is eyeing up Auckland mayoralty
Wayne Brown: Local government shouldn't be a dumping ground for failed politicians.
‘Totally reckless' planning rules on hold
Dangerous intersections and heavy traffic on SH2 not addressed - councillor.
87 tyres were dumped in a 'gorgeous' stream. Gary wasn't having it
He made it his mission to clean the stream of rubbish - all in one day.
'Very sorry': Emotions high as rural residents fight to save 'heirloom' halls
'I beg for you not to condemn our building.'
Congestion charging could be needed to keep Tauranga moving
The current funding model for transport infrastructure is “not going to cut it”.
Far North folk asked how they want to be represented on council
The Far North's review is a chance for people to say how they want to be represented.
No 'squabbles' and no 'bad behaviour', potential Tauranga councillors advised
'The way to get things done, of course, is to collaborate,' says a local body politician.