New Zealand
Prankster takes a dig at council by planting potholes
Potholes become pot plants in Te Puna.
Latest from Western Bay of Plenty District Council
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Western Bay among busiest areas in NZ for ambulance call-outs
Weather events and Covid-19 are considered to be among reasons why.
Border collie’s wounds heal after ‘devastating’ dog attack
Paul Gibbs' dog Molly sustained "horrific injuries".
Māori wards, flooding and fluoridation: Big year for Local Democracy Reporting
Reporter Alisha Evans looks at the highs and lows for the district in 2023.
'Outrageous' contamination: How much recycling ends up in landfill
Once, an entire recycling truck’s contents weighing 4.38t were sent to landfill.
Party like the public service: What councils did for Christmas
Some opted for a Kiwi classic.
Dog owner bitten by man after elderly border collie mauled
Molly has had two surgeries and may need more after her throat was 'ripped open'.
Number 279 in the queue: Rates penalty notice has council's phone lines running hot
Council says collecting its own rates has been mostly positive - despite some criticism.
Public can be ‘brutal’: Councillors defend use of closed-door workshops
The ombudsman’s call to open council workshops is a ‘hard nut to crack’.
'We would have been annihilated': Pensioner's flooded flat to be demolished
Brian Thorne is upset to be losing his home by the sea.
Western Bay pushes ahead with water fluoridation despite ruling
'Council is maintaining a watching brief on legal developments.'
Flood-damaged pensioner flats to be demolished
Seven homes to be demolished after floods ripped through seaside town of Waihī Beach.
'Significant uncertainty': Council defers crucial 10-year planning document
Western Bay's Long-term Plan is deferred due to a 'lack of clear national direction'.
Flood survivor, 73, says units found ‘unsafe for elderly’ should be demolished
Future of flood-damaged pensioner units is to be decided this week.
'Radical idea': Mayor’s managed retreat idea divides council
A late addition to a submission to the Government about managed retreat was presented.
Study shows proposed ferry service risks high costs
Projected fares prompt transport boffins to recommend people rely on buses instead.
Who, when, where: What to know about $21.4m boost for affordable rentals
'It’s our responsibility to look after those who have provided for us.'
Another byelection triggered as second board member quits
It is the second byelection announced for the district in as many weeks.
Bay of Plenty councils identify projects involving man accused of forgery
Nationwide, potentially 1000 building consents and 40 local authorities could be impacted.
Family members face raft of charges over alleged unlawful buildings
An Aongatete family are facing charges of illegally erecting buildings on their land.
No longer just a holiday destination: Western Bay average property values cross $1m mark
But there are concerns about what this means for pensioners on fixed incomes.
'Now...not in 30 years': Leaders ask Govt to fast-track Golden Triangle highway
The highway is a key arterial route linking Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton.
'Critical' $2b-plus roading overhaul timeline under fire
Some leaders might not even be around when it's time to "cut the ribbon".
Waihī Beach floods: Community “worries every time it rains”
Residents have vented their concerns after flash floods ripped through the seaside town.
Western Bay council could put off Annual Plan adoption
The final decision will be made on June 14, when the council’s Annual Plan Committee meets
Inflation clauses costing councils millions
A leading economist says more businesses are including escalation clauses.
The Premium Debate: Mum of injured teen speaks out after street racers arrested
Our readers have their say.
'It was pretty nasty': Driver hits out as potholes cause damage
Motorists lodge 33 complaints in 10 days.
Storm-hit district facing $20m repair bill awaits funding clarity from Govt
Councillor questions $9.8m spend on one road when $4m to re-open another too 'difficult'.