Local Government stories
Long-delayed mining and resource applications are still pending on the West Coast, though the council has cut the queue to 43 from 199.
Pressure is mounting on Gisborne's tourism infrastructure, with councillors weighing a campervan waste site after years of complaints and a closure.
Households could face higher bills unless new water entities lift delivery from councils' 60 to 80 per cent record and prove their costs.
About a quarter of the Rakaia rollout cannot yet report readings, leaving Ashburton District Council unable to rely on the system for wider use.
Climate risks are already costing New Zealand billions a year as the government faces renewed criticism for its patchy adaptation plan.
Residents of Clarkville have won a safer route after heavy trucks were barred from Baynons Road, easing dust and safety fears.
Waikato councils say a 4% rates cap will squeeze funding for water and wastewater, as mayors accuse ministers of hypocrisy.
Passenger losses have prompted a review of Gisborne's routes, stops and school services after bus use fell 16% in six months.
Forestry and dairy operators could face steep bills under a Carterton council plan to shift more roading repair costs onto heavy users.
Council enforcement against unregistered owners drove infringements up more than threefold, as dog control complaints and call-outs nearly doubled.
Australian councils will keep the same support as the move folds Metasphere telemetry and analytics into Grundfos' water utility business.
Paper-heavy approvals and resident services should speed up as the council phases in Adobe software to cut delays, errors and privacy risk.
Benchmarking shows Tasman's rivers team is half the size of some peers, despite flood-hit communities pressing for stronger protection.
Funding for sports facilities and community grants could be cut as Marlborough council tries to stay within a 4% rates cap.
Funding sought for traffic modelling could decide whether heavy goods vehicles are diverted off Gisborne streets, easing pressure on deteriorating roads.
Public pressure is building for changes to Nelson's St Vincent Street cycleway, as the council weighs parking removals after 12 crashes since 2014.
Approvals for earthworks on 5.65 hectares could unlock a 20-year airport business park plan, with new jobs and flood safeguards in Rotorua.
Ratepayers in Westport may face higher bills as the flood protection scheme's cost blowout prompts a fresh consultation on a revised design.
Farmers may dodge tighter water limits as Hawke's Bay councillors weigh shelving the Tank plan amid government reforms.
Eligible New Zealand agencies can now buy Workday software through a pre-vetted channel, potentially speeding procurement and reducing risk.
