Latest fromPublic Interest - LDR
Fresh court action against Rotorua council sewerage scheme expected
The council has restarted construction on stage one and says it will take four weeks.
'Life has just stopped': 'Forgotten five' battle council over slip damage
Owners of three homes have not been able to return since they were evacuated in 2022.
Invercargill council's chief executive returns after mysterious four-week absence
The council held secret meetings about a letter before Day's leave.
'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An injunction stopping the sale of Tauranga's Marine Precinct is no longer in force.
‘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.
'We churn out athletes': Push for indoor sports hub to support Tairāwhiti athletes
The facility may be built opposite Gisborne's Midway Surf Rescue Community Hub building.
'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.
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.
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.
Strokes of inspiration? Mayors Mahé and James hit the water
Households could save up to $5000 if councils collaborate on water services.
‘Island in the wilderness’: Proposed boundary shift sparks concern
Residents say the proposed boundaries ignore local geographic ties.
Legal bid to halt sewerage pipe works fails in Environment Court
The decision comes less than two weeks since an urgent hearing.
Big changes for art gallery and its supporters
Renovations are part of the $306m Te Manawataki o Te Papa project.
Gisborne wastewater treatment plant upgrade one year behind schedule
The filters caused a one-year delay in Gisborne's plant upgrade.
‘No wait time, no booking, just turn up’: Te Poho-o-Rawiri Marae hosting mobile health clinic
A nurse and paramedic staff the monthly clinic kaupapa, called Poua te Ora.
‘We will make better decisions’: Mayor on iwi council appointments
A pōwhiri was held for the three tangata whenua representatives.
Why Tauranga’s water service delivery options have sparked debate
Council discusses ministerial influence on Tauranga's Local Waters Done Well planning.
Rotorua water to be fluoridated by Friday
The council will also make two temporary sources of unfluoridated water available.
New automated gate to guard Lake Ōkataina against gold clam
The gate cost $32,669, and was funded by local councils and Biosecurity NZ.
‘Heartstring stuff’: Former politician wants reserve returned to whānau
'We think it’s appropriate it comes back to our whānau.'
How much a 12% rates rise could add to Tauranga homeowners' bills
The mayor says the council found $29m in savings to get the overall rise down to 12%.