Mayors spending thousands on food, wine and flowers
Some local leaders bought gifts at the expense of ratepayers.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest fromLocal Government
Complaints against councillors costs ratepayers $180k
Dunedin City Council spent $42,714 investigating complaints about elected members.
Analysis: The heat is on Wellington's congestion question
The new Transport Minister is already being lobbied for a congestion charge in the capital
How Wellington became the poster child for NZ's water infrastructure crisis
A year of broken pipes, streets moments from being flooded with sewage, and politics.
Wellington residents grow unhappier about council decision-making
Fewer than a third of residents are satisfied with how the council makes decisions.
Tauranga council: Govt papers reveal possible five-year intervention
And substantial property rates increases could be on the cards for the next few years.
'Gutted': City councillors react after learning they will be fired
The decision to appoint a commission was announced on Friday but opinions are divided.
Auckland Council staff struggling with work stress: report
Remote working, job insecurity and loss of income are taking a toll on council workers.
Councillors reveal history of intimidation and abuse after death threat
Messages have led them to carry personal security devices and have their homes checked.
Featherston tiny homes developer wants red tape cut
Developer says backing for tiny homes could be a 'silver bullet' for the housing crisis.
'I may have behaved inappropriately': Councillor resigns after party
Peter Newton says he's quitting "for reasons of personal development [and] reflection".
Wellington water woes report: system needs to change
Sludge became a household name in Wellington this year.
Relationship between Wellington Water and council found wanting
Report finds a lack of trust and a relationship in need of a 'fundamental reset'.
'Anti-business': Council opposes 1100-home Sleepyhead estate
Housing at Ohinewai would erode benefits of $100m expressway, says Waikato mayor.
Who pays the highest rates in New Zealand?
Residents of this catchment pay an average of $3400 a year - and it's not Auckland.
Councillor receives three code of conduct complaints in one week
Waikato Regional councillor claims fellow councillors are trying to silence him.
Samantha Motion: Minister's move to sack council a bold one
Opinion: Can a commission stop Tauranga going round in circles?
'Democracy has gone': Councillors hit back at minister's intention to replace them
The minister wants to appoint a commission to run the city.
Auckland residents oppose fast-track supermarket plans
The planned supermarket is six times bigger than allowed for in the Unitary Plan.
SFO tight-lipped over probe of Auckland Mayor's election expenses
The probe may relate to auctions held during the 2016 and 2019 campaigns, ex-staffer says.
'A very good start': Hopes climate change declaration will speed up local action
The council hopes the declaration signals closer partnership with central government.
Councillors want answers over why contracts were granted exception from tender
Waikato Regional Council chairman defends council's 'white as snow' procurement process.
Support for Local Government overhaul after call for Royal Commission
Councils are struggling with financial pressures amounting to billions of dollars.
Wellington Water dodges prosecution over wastewater overflow
Investigation concludes into 6-million-litre wastewater overflow into the harbour.
'Draconian': Simon Bridges urges minister not to intervene in council
Tauranga MP says mayor's resignation removed 'significant source of friction'.
Editorial: Mahuta faces more challenges at home than abroad
Editorial: Local territorial authorities in turmoil the length of the country.
Councillor calls for Royal Commission into local government
The sector is reaching crisis point and needs to be overhauled, councillor says.
Wellington mayor seen to have declared war on his own council
ANALYSIS: Andy Foster has lost the confidence of many of his councillors.
Mayor Shadbolt hits back after report says he is 'struggling'
Report highlighted a leadership void, but Sir Tim said he would not resign.
Green light for $3.5m Erebus memorial in inner-city park
After years of conjecture, the final vote on the memorial was today.
Erebus memorial vote looms amid accusations of 'underhand' tactics
Waitematā Local Board is under huge pressure for its vote to okay the Parnell memorial.
Local Focus: Te Arawa strikes back on climate change
Iwi and council work together to combat climate change. Made with funding from NZ On Air.
Christchurch's smokefree areas now 'vapefree' too
The city's existing Smokefree Public Places policy will now include vaping.
Wellington's Airport Flyer saved but Hutt Valley misses out
Wellington Airport confirms new operator for bus service for airport travellers next year.