Written by Rebecca Hogan
Residents in Pahiatua are set for fewer boil-water scares as Tararua District Council starts a year-long $4 million network upgrade.
About 40 households in Mangaore have been told to boil water after two dead rats were found in a reservoir during a routine inspection.
Safety fears are mounting as residents push for roundabouts at two Feilding intersections, with traffic expected to worsen as the town grows.
Local leaders warn the date mix-up could leave councils short of their top officials during a nationwide tsunami drill in October.
Ratepayers may face a cheaper bill by replacing the 97-year-old Alfredton bridge, after repair estimates climbed above the cost of a new structure.
Ratepayers face an extra NZD $1.286 million bill over three years unless Tararua's road funding cut is reversed.
Water restrictions are likely to come in earlier than usual as scientists warn the district faces one of the strongest El Niño events in recent history.
Heavy vehicles will be diverted from a vital Dannevirke route after tests found the 103-year-old Rawhiti Bridge is far weaker than thought.
The district's residential and industrial land shortage could bite within 25 years, prompting public consultation on rezoning in its main centres.
