Kiwi News

Near miss with train interrupts Greens' level crossing announcement

A train nearly hit a car at Morningside as the Greens unveiled a $2.5 billion plan to remove Auckland level crossings and ease congestion.

By RNZ • 3 min read • Today

Wellington Hospital

Wellington Hospital ED operating under code red about half the time since March

Patients at Wellington Hospital's emergency department are facing longer waits as staff shortages and overcrowding have kept it in code red for months.

By RNZ • 3 min read • Yesterday

Housing

Revisiting zombie towns: What happens when the housing supply keeps up

Where councils helped build homes, Clutha has reversed decline, tripling section values and keeping young families in town.

By RNZ • 4 min read • Yesterday

Resilience

Water security a step closer for Tararua township

Residents in Pahiatua are set for fewer boil-water scares as Tararua District Council starts a year-long $4 million network upgrade.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 2 min read • Today

Opinion

Mount businesses need strong summer after landslide hits trade

Trade remains below last year, but Mount businesses are seeing a lift in foot traffic and hope a strong summer will aid recovery after the landslide.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Yesterday

Small Business

'Anything new is good': Picton businesses back central Blenheim revamp

Picton traders say the temporary disruption of a streetscape upgrade was worth it, after their own revamp boosted seating, safety and summer trade.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Yesterday

Local Government

Waikato Waters $2m over budget as storm-damaged plant eyes November reopening

Customer charges will not rise, despite Waikato Waters reporting an $18.6 million spend against a $16.5 million budget and a November reopening target.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Yesterday

Data centers

National unveils nine-point energy plan to tackle power bills

Households could get cheaper, more flexible power deals as National proposes new rules to boost competition and rein in network charges.

By RNZ • 4 min read • Last week

Risk & Compliance

Tauranga ratepayers group slams secrecy around Marty Grenfell's resignation

Residents say secrecy over the council chief executive's exit leaves ratepayers facing unanswered questions over any payout after the Mount landslide review.

By RNZ • 2 min read • Last week

Agricultural Technology

El Niño could raise wildfire and water-quality risks in Hawke's Bay, council says

The dry spell could hit farms, rivers and firefighting readiness across Hawke's Bay, with below-normal rain and warmer temperatures forecast.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • Last week

Māori

Gisborne council votes to close Titirangi Maunga roads to vehicles overnight

Night-time vehicle access to Titirangi Maunga will end in early 2027, after residents backed gates to curb dumping and vandalism.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • Last week

Real estate

Rotorua buildings no longer considered an earthquake risk

Property owners could save about NZD $107 million as new earthquake rules cut the number of Rotorua buildings classed as prone from 66 to 40.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 5 min read • Last week

Urban Planning

Old bridge, new look: Major makeover for historic Ashburton landmark

Restoration of the 109-year-old Ashburton footbridge is nearly finished, with the $880,000 job due to reopen it by the end of October.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • Last week

Construction

Run-down Invercargill council building still awaiting repairs

A fifth of the budget has gone on temporary office moves for staff, as Invercargill City Council still has no timeframe for repairing its ageing headquarters.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Last week