Local Government Stories

Kiwi Stories

Local Government stories

Winter storms leave Masterton council fund in the red

Road repairs from repeated storms have driven the council's emergency fund to a NZD $1.2 million deficit, with subsidies covering only part of the bill.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • Today

Energy efficient

A sneak peak at the South Waikato Aquatics Centre

Tokoroa residents will regain indoor pool access on 3 October after a NZD $17 million revamp added a sauna, spa and better mobility access.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Today

Conservation

Rotorua Museum construction wraps up a decade after quake closure

Visitors must wait another two years, even after the long-delayed Rotorua Museum build was finished on time and under budget.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Yesterday

Conservation

Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park could get $1 million grant from ratepayer funds

Ratepayers could help keep Christchurch's only open-range wildlife park afloat, as councillors weigh a NZD $1.2 million rescue package.

By RNZ • 4 min read • Last week

Local Government

Proposed cell tower ruffles feathers in Twizel

Residents fear a third mast in Twizel's town centre could go up without consultation, as the council urges Connexa to talk to the community.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • Last week

Hutt City Council

Fixing historic, contentious Petone Wharf one step closer

Ratepayers are set to fund the first stage of the long-delayed $11.6 million repair, after demolition plans triggered a 6,000-name protest.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Last week

Procurement

Council hits the accelerator on Rolleston ring-road roundabout

Residents may face higher borrowing costs if NZTA co-funding falls through, as the $5.37 million Rolleston roundabout is brought forward.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • Last week

Data Protection

Westpac first New Zealand bank to issue digital ID

Business customers can now verify bank account details faster and with less fraud risk as digital credentials debut through Govt.nz's app wallet.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last week

Local Government

$14.9 million decision point for Whakatāne War Memorial Hall

Sports clubs will press Whakatāne councillors to back a single hall renewal plan, as staff warn phased works would prolong closures and raise costs.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • Last week

Local Government

Closed-door debate on new Masterton town hall

Councillors have backed an invited tender process for the project, with the new venue expected to be built within the remaining NZD $25 million budget.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 2 min read • Last week

Inland Revenue Department

Tokoroa's new $2 million hub reflects changing face of public libraries

Residents can now pay rates, borrow books and book free meeting rooms in Tokoroa's revamped $2 million community hub.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Last week

Risk & Compliance

Farmers question 'fairness' of 230-home Amberley sub-division

North Canterbury growers say the plan risks sacrificing productive farmland for a 230-home development with little consultation.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • Last week

Climate change

'It's hell': Queenstown workers, mayor, firefighter fed up with traffic congestion

Chronic gridlock is forcing missed call-outs, long school runs and stalled businesses, prompting Queenstown officials to seek fixes.

By RNZ • 4 min read • Last week

Commerce Commission

Councils to be allowed to charge developers with new levy from 2029

Existing ratepayers could be spared higher bills as councils prepare to shift more of the cost of new housing infrastructure onto developers from 2029.

By RNZ • 4 min read • Last week