Written by David Hill
Residents want the court to overturn approval for a reduced solar farm near Waipara, arguing the council mishandled the consent process.
Children in wheelchairs could soon join the fun at Kaiapoi's Darnley Square, where a new swing is expected to cost $100,000.
Commuters from Rangiora and Rolleston could be back on passenger rail by mid-2027, but councils must still agree funding and fares remain unclear.
Flood protection funding, transport investment and biosecurity are among Canterbury council's demands as it seeks certainty from the next Government.
More than half of rural Canterbury wells are showing rising nitrate levels, leaving many households facing ongoing drinking water risks.
Kaikōura District Council spent more than $200,000 on its annual audit last year, fuelling wider concerns that compliance costs are climbing for ratepayers.
A temporary fix to a flood-damaged bridge could cost more than $300,000, as the council races to reopen the route before Christmas.
North Canterbury councils warn the cap could delay bridge and road work, forcing hard choices for small ratepayer bases and freight links.
Waimakariri ratepayers could face nearly $500,000 in annual audit costs, as the mayor says the money is being diverted from core services.
Flood damage has left the reserve closed for months, with repairs estimated at $35,000 and new toilets costing $148,000 before campers can return.
Canterbury councillors are being told another major flood could hit within a decade, as a Kaikōura clean-up leaves ECan facing more than $30m in repairs.
The council faces an $8m to $30m bill for urgent flood repairs, with a funding request still awaiting NZTA approval.
Rangiora's ageing Southbrook Pavilion could be replaced after the council earmarked $1.3m, with community fundraising set to match it.
About 10,000 residents are now in a new blue evacuation zone, with council saying the simpler map could speed up escapes if a tsunami strikes.
Opponents' concerns over glare, views and property values were eased after consent for the Waipara project was trimmed by 25 percent.
Uncertainty over local government reform means the council is prioritising existing commitments, while a new road project carries $65.6 million in costs.
Support for the Chatham Islands' core regional services will continue during a planned transition as a 22-year arrangement winds down next June.
Businesses in Rangiora face months of disruption as ageing mains under High Street are replaced to avoid further bursts and flooding.
A permanent diversion is being explored after up to 220 trucks a day left Clarkville roads noisy, dusty and damaged.
Rising petrol costs may force Canterbury buses to cut off-peak runs and delay planned service boosts as demand keeps climbing.
