Latest fromPublic Interest - LDR
'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.
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%.
‘Failed to achieve anything meaningful’: Why councillor won’t seek re-election
Revealed: Which Rotorua councillors say they will – or won't – stand in local election.
‘Different boat’: Gisborne Council grapples with speed rule changes
The council's bylaw process complicates implementing the new speed limits.
‘Step backwards’: MP’s equal voting rights bill challenged
Iwi group leaders argue the bill ignores political disadvantages faced by Māori.
‘Curly issues’: Judge’s Tarawera decision ‘as soon as possible’
A decision on works would be made in weeks rather than months.
Community groups join forces to aid Gisborne’s rough sleepers
Gisborne leaders have created plan to support 40 rough sleepers in the region.
Gisborne’s DrainWise redirects downpipes to prevent sewage spills
The council removed 25 downpipes from November 2024 to January 31.
LGxit: Another council legs it from LGNZ
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer highlighted LGNZ's support for elected members.
‘Hungry for customers’: New way for public to have their say planned
Council chief executive wants 'customers' at the centre of the organisation's thinking.
Rotorua’s suggested ‘rates swap’ labelled ‘unfair’ by deputy mayor
Deputy mayor says it makes district council look like "bad guys" with a rates rise.
$180m retirement village approved under fast-track consent
'The economic impacts of the development are significant.'
‘Eroding a democracy’: Backlash over community board changes
Western Bay council proposes three boards to improve representation and reduce rates.
Gisborne highway speed review a ‘relief’ and ‘fantastic news’
NZTA will conduct speed reviews on roads with automatic reversals in Gisborne.
‘Unique, essential’: Locals dismayed as pool hours remain unchanged
The council decided to keep the 7am opening to save on extra costs.