Latest fromPublic Interest - LDR
From tired to jazzed up: Gisborne’s main street’s spring clean
Donations include paint, plywood, and supplies, as local artists create a town mural.
Report card: How Rotorua Lakes Council scored over past year
The mayor also shared a message.
Sewerage scheme dispute: Fence comes down at tapu lake
Members of the local iwi say they will continue to fight.
'Better off having a free dumping system?': Illegal dumping doubles amid rubbish sticker resales
Gisborne's kerbside rubbish sticker trade online raises fears of illegal dumping.
'Voices of the people': Man claims public comments censored
Limiting comments and feedback creates an echo chamber, says resident.
‘Trail of broken promises’: $34m council land sale disappoints hapū
A Tauranga hapū wanted to build homes for its whanau but the land was sold to developers.
Rural families devastated as key bridges lost in Cyclone Gabrielle remain unfunded
Only two of eight cyclone-damaged bridges will be funded; families face ongoing isolation.
'Grinch' councillor quizzes teen reps on political affiliations
'Are there any [youth] councillors here that may be affiliated with the National Party?'
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz urges voter participation in local elections
Time to invite younger people and make them aware of roles council plays
Park benches to be removed after reports of 'indecent behaviour'
A resident complained she was harassed by people who used the seats and felt unsafe.
Council to review controversial road closure on 7th Ave
The council will look at options for 7th Ave, which became a cul-de-sac last May.
Lifeline: Surprise $25,000 grant helps keep country's busiest CAB open
'A knight in shining armour' came to save the day.
Aratu Forests plans $500k debris nets after cyclone damage in Tairāwhiti
'We have learnt much from the cyclones and are determined to keep improving,' CEO says.
Ngāti Oneone's call for land return leads to five-year lease for yacht club
Iwi seeks return of land, stressing the importance of re-establishing its mana.
Iconic hot pools' opening time causing 'disharmony' – petitioner
"You could say ‘well, go to another pool’, but those are ... very uniquely different."
Tararua mayor’s ultimatum over highway toll
Her council will refuse to take back maintenance of three detour routes if road is tolled.
The NZ city with 2000 ghost homes: 'Hard problem to solve'
Despite the empty homes, the council says it's not a concern.
Mayor Mahé Drysdale votes no on fluoridation
The Olympic rowing champion says he wants more safety assurances.
Gisborne's water usage doubles; council gives tips for conservation
'The demand experienced was unusual so early in spring,' drinking water manager says.
Petition against rainbow crossing 'nothing short of disgusting' - Pride advocate
Petition trying to stop a rainbow pedestrian crossing in Tauranga set to be presented.
On track: Tokomaru Bay landfill remediation could be fast-tracked
'Time is of the essence' for Tokomaru Bay landfill clean-up.
'A bit traumatic': Crankworx 2024 worth millions to city despite boycott blow
Between a boycott and sponsorship struggles, there were still successes and learnings.
Gisborne library faces abuse incidents as councillors discuss safety concerns
Behaviours range from theft and fighting to using the outside of the building as a toilet.
Tauranga council projects spurned for fast-tracking
Tauranga City Council is disappointed that its fast-track applications have been declined
CCTV spree: Rotorua CBD crime crackdown plan expanding to suburbs
It includes rolling out new cameras to catch and deter crims.
Consent reforms needed to fix 'overkill' system – builder
Changes to the building consent system are welcomed as it is currently arduous.
'Essentially... allocated nothing': Road funding snub frustrates mayor
'Rotorua seems to keep missing out.'