New Zealand
Elder housing tenant awarded $5000 after man on home detention moves in next door
Tribunal finds elder housing tenant's dignity was overlooked during months-long dispute.
Latest from Local Democracy
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Will Labour's Chris Flatt strike fourth time lucky against 18-year veteran Louise Upston?
Before Flatt, Labour has put up Francis Campbell, Jamie Strange and Aladdin Al-Bustanji.
Review calls for bigger Crown role addressing forestry issues
The review found council decisions were appropriate to the region’s high erosion risks.
'One of the worst sites': Forestry firms ordered to remove slash
Debris must be cleared from streams and high-risk sites by March 31, 2027.
Bid for independent review of new parking system rejected
Councillor called for the review after hearing concerns from CBD businesses.
'Whack-a-mole': Tairāwhiti leaders call for long-term transport plan
An independent report calls for planning across roads, rail, air and ports.
'Rise like a phoenix': Mount cafes adapt to survive post-slip slump
They are getting ready for a critical summer, 'not sitting around waiting for a handout'.
Can a new government solve NZ’s local council crisis? Why a royal commission could help
Local Government New Zealand estimates councils need $11b more over seven years.
'Took everybody by surprise': Little's highs and lows in first year as mayor
The Herald sat down with Andrew Little to discuss the ups and downs of his time in office.
Newly opened $41m stopbank upgrade protects 10,000ha in Gisborne district
The design aims to protect through to 2090 against an event 25% larger than Gabrielle.
Arts Village gets lease reprieve, but mayor warns 'no more free rides'
Council rejects proposal to hike trust's rent from $120 to $50,000 and beyond – for now.
East Cape storm recovery: Managed retreat considered for Hicks Bay, Punaruku, Onepoto Bay
The report did not identify properties for relocation or estimate the cost.
'Coming out of their shells': Students learn podcast production hands-on
The podcast is a collab by Ōtorohanga District Council, He Koniahi and Ōtorohanga College.
Rural mobile coverage 'has gone backwards', Manawatū councillor says
A new report shows many farmers can't reliably call 111 on their farms.
Dairy farmers get in behind Kaikōura’s night sky
Simple lighting changes are helping protect Kaikōura’s night sky and seabirds.
The coalition's change to voting rules is radical but Labour helped make it possible
OPINION: Accusations of 'voter suppression' have grown since electoral enrolments closed.
Council seeks $122k for sportsground upgrade
Woodward wants the old rugby ground lights considered for basketball courts.
'Sick of looking at it': Resident mows overgrown traffic island
He says it was in a 'disgraceful' state. NZTA says it prioritises safety in mowing plans.
El Niño set to raise Tairāwhiti fire risk with dry, windy summer
El Niño is expected to bring drier conditions and stronger winds for Gisborne.
Forestry transition: Tairāwhiti advisory group gets wider mandate
Pilot projects will explore hillside logging, land-use change and slash traps.
Flood resilience: Gisborne's $71.1m plan moves into design phase
The council put in $7.1m, with $64m from a Government cyclone support package.
'I want a revolutionary': Council budgets $100k to find new CEO
It comes as the council confirms who will be its interim chief executive.
Parking fines: New licence plate rules catching out motorists
About 2500 of city's parking fines linked to new licence plate requirement.
Council says $985,450 development contribution waiver would shift costs to ratepayers
Councillors voted 6-5 to reject the request to waive development contributions.