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Surge in households putting rates on hold as costs bite
Hundreds of retired homeowners are delaying paying their rates bills.
One Bay council pays over $20m a year in debt interest
Debt is climbing for all but one council in Hawke’s Bay. Here is how much each has.
Division, abuse and rates pain: Local politics year in review
2024 saw clashes between central and local government.
Deadly disease kills 100-year-old tree despite vaccination
The fatal and fast-spreading disease was found to be present in the Waikato in February.
'Must be all that rich food': Council cleaner reveals the worst toilet users, and how she handles it
'It can be quite amusing to watch ... it's not so amusing to clean up.'
Horizons formally opposes Treaty Principles Bill
Horizons Regional Council votes to oppose the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill.
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in April 2024?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.
Life of an Animal Control officer: 'I have never seen a person on the streets with a skinny dog'
'Section sizes have shrunk but all dogs need exercise, no matter what breed they are.'
Opinion: Local Government Act needs urgent reform for accountability
OPINION: The act has critical deficiencies that undermine its goals.
‘I wasn’t being Green’: Tory Whanau admits she has upset her base
The mayor ends the year with her legacy project intact but other plans in tatters.
Fluoride-free water option 'waste of time', campaigner says
Tauranga City Council is still undecided about providing a fluoride-free water supply.
Editorial: Business resignations another blow for Tory Whanau’s leadership
OPINION: The mayor's special business group had held such potential.
River safety plan pushes 'behaviour change'
'It's not about bylaws, it's about educating people.'
Silt Recovery Taskforce finishes restoring 7000 hectares of land
More than 2.5 million cubic metres of silt removed from Hawke’s Bay
Roads in, social housing out as Govt forces councils ‘back to basics’
The Government hopes to rein in years of high rates rises with its 'back to basics' drive.
The winners and losers of local politics - who is at risk at next year's elections?
On the Tiles: Local Edition runs through the big political winners and losers of 2024.
'Everyone's had a guts-full': Dargaville residents rail against water rules
Residents blame Kaipara District Council inaction on water supply for summer restrictions.
Has this beloved golf course been saved? Depends who you ask
A heated council debate includes claims of 'coercion' and 'disrespectful' behaviour.
Council's alcohol policy targets harm in 23 high-crime suburbs
Health advocates praise Auckland's new policy, aiming to curb alcohol-related harm.
Simon Wilson: ‘Our Eiffel Tower’ - why Wellington should fight to save the City to Sea bridge
OPINION: Saving Wellington's City to Sea Bridge is about saving what we really value.
Canterbury fire rages on as Labour continues pressure on the government | NZ Herald News Update
The fire on Castle Hill, Canterbury continues to burn as it has since Thursday this week. Labour continues to press the governments policies as Franklin road prepares to re-open.