Locals 'gutted' after popular playground dismantled: 'It feels like the drinkers have won'
'It’s our kids that have lost out to a bunch of people drinking'.
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Latest fromPublic Interest - LDR
Tauranga’s first Māori ward councillor resigns
He was elected in July but has not been able to take up the role due to illness.
'Massive revitalisation’: The new builds changing the face of Tauranga
Tauranga's city centre is seeing a massive revitalisation for private and public projects.
‘Selfish motivation’: Director’s passion for Tauranga’s museum journey
'I want to be part of building something completely new for a city that’s never had one.'
'Thrilled': Iwi renews council role after 'significant absence'
The new committee can make recommendations, but not decisions.
'I decided to do it for me': Why council boss quit
He says being in chief executive roles for 10 years “takes its toll”.
'Capitalising on community goodwill': Bins removals rubbished as more set to go
The council says it could lead to 'significant savings' and less waste.
Council chief executive quits
'He has guided our council during a time of significant change.'
Rotorua emergency housing motel wind-down: Where will tenants go?
The commissioner highlights ministry 'assumptions' about Rotorua's housing pipeline.
Revealed: The dates each Rotorua emergency housing motel must close
Resource consents for seven motels extended despite public objections.
The NZ city with 2000 ghost homes: 'Hard problem to solve'
Despite the empty homes, the council says it's not a concern.
'Trailblazer' on upskilling Kiwis in AI: 'We don’t have to be based in New York'
'A lot of NZ companies would love to do business outside of NZ and we are now doing that.'
Rubbish or good idea? Residents weigh in on kerbside collection changes
Locals divided on changes: some support, others worry about fewer red bin collections.
Uncovered: 100-year-old discovery in Rotorua Museum renovation
The heritage find was made during building strengthening works.
'He'll be watching': The legacy of the Rotorua rangatira on the 20 cent coin
His legacy spans 300 years, he's travelled oceans, and he's on our 20 cent coin.
‘Brave in challenging times’: Mayor, councillors share their views on 2024
Some believe progress has been made, others not so much.
‘Experience the freedom’: Deputy mayor on leaving council in 2025
Josh Wharehinga plans to revive Tairāwhiti boxing scene after stepping down from council.
Meet Kaipara's fishing-mad mayor - the “Trump of the North”
'I’m not scared to confront issues we need to discuss.'
Mitimiti magic for Far North Mayor, at the end of the winding gravel road
'This is the birthplace of New Zealand. Welcome home.'
Lifejackets, speeding, no-go zones: What water patrols are looking out for
The Bay of Plenty maritime team will be checking for rule compliance.
Bin removal at popular lake causes two-year stink
The holiday park says staff pick up a bag of rubbish a day from the carpark opposite.
Gisborne Council eyes medium-density housing to address crisis
Gisborne councillors urge caution on zoning to ensure fair treatment across areas.
'Good for business': Cafe owner hails street's return to two-way traffic
Businesses say sales have dropped since the road was made one-way.
Rainbow connection: Should new crossing have had official opening?
A pride advocate is upset an opening hasn't been held for Tauranga's new rainbow crossing.
'Heartbreaking' report: Council land acquisition from mana whenua detailed
Gisborne adopts a new strategy after revealing historical land disputes.
Court rejects challenge to Kaipara's ditching of Māori ward
The district council's Māori ward will disappear for the local elections next year.
Fluoride-free water option 'waste of time', campaigner says
Tauranga City Council is still undecided about providing a fluoride-free water supply.
‘Uplifting’ Mauaoathon raises $36,000 for sick councillor
The councillor was recently transferred to Tauranga Hospital from Waikato Hospital.
'These little things mean a lot': Rural projects transform community spaces
New footpaths, swings and CCTV have upgraded a number of Rotorua's rural areas.
Councillors face abuse over Israel settlement boycott decision
Mayor Nick Smith condemned the ‘crude abuse’ and urged respectful community dialogue.
'Nothing more for ratepayer': Councillor slams water infrastructure plan
Gisborne debates water options: Lower short-term costs vs long-term savings.
Mauao to close for repair of vandalised pounamu
Tauranga's landmark Mauao will be closed so the vandalised pounamu can be repaired.
Te Tai Tokerau iwi marks 'significant milestone' in council relations
'We are adamant we must cut a path forward.'
'Gutless racism': Sacred pounamu touchstone vandalised in 'despicable' act
'Illiterate reprobates' blamed as compass atop maunga in Mount Maunganui vandalised.