Auckland Council Stories

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Auckland Council stories

Auckland tech expo aims to link founders & investors

A central challenge for New Zealand tech firms is finding the right investors and partners, organisers say, as 3,000 attend.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Wed, 24th Jun 2026

Gaming

Auckland backs indie games showcase to boost sector

Independent studios in Auckland are gaining investor access and public exposure as the city works to grow New Zealand's games industry.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Wed, 27th May 2026

Robotics

New Zealand backs low-cost digital tools for factories

New Zealand funds expansion of low-cost factory tech scheme to help 180 manufacturers boost productivity and compete with digital rivals.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Tue, 24th Feb 2026

Auckland Council

Qualified to comment – if it ain’t broke . .

Central government delays on planning reform have left councils wrestling with rules Leigh Auton says could have been avoided decades ago.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Mon, 2nd Feb 2026

Agricultural Technology

Microsoft cloud region powers New Zealand's AI growth

Microsoft's NZ North cloud hub is powering Aotearoa's AI push, cutting costs, boosting skills and running on 100 per cent renewable energy.

By Melania Watson • 5 min read • Fri, 19th Dec 2025

Data Analytics

Tim Dacombe-Bird appointed Head of Google Cloud New Zealand

Tim Dacombe-Bird has been named Head of Google Cloud New Zealand, leading local AI and digital transformation efforts from Wellington.

By Melvin Hipolito • 4 min read • Mon, 7th Jul 2025

Gaming

Retro arcade machines reimagined as art in Ponsonby

Retro arcade machines have been transformed into eye-catching art installations at Studio One - Toi Tū, celebrating the nostalgia of 80s and 90s gaming.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Sat, 19th Oct 2024

Auckland Council

Public infrastructure lacking in transparency

A lack of disclosure on New Zealand’s big projects is obscuring costs, designs and accountability, critics say, as billions are spent in secret.

By Staff Writer • 8 min read • Tue, 15th Oct 2024

Surveillance

AI cameras help save Motutapu Island's rare birds

A Norway rat has been eradicated from Motutapu Island in the Hauraki Gulf with the use of DOC's AI camera.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Tue, 8th Oct 2024

Auckland Council

Government declares war on localism

Councils say the Prime Minister's back-to-basics agenda risks stripping local communities of funding, powers and services they rely on.

By Staff Writer • 10 min read • Sun, 25th Aug 2024

Auckland Council

The thinking behind congestion charging versus reality

Auckland’s proposed road charge could cut peak-time delays, but only if public transport alternatives are ready from day one.

By Staff Writer • 7 min read • Thu, 21st Mar 2024

Auckland Council

IWD 2024: Diversity and innovation: solutions to tech skills-shortages

Addressing NZ's tech skills shortage, Mission Ready pioneers innovative programmes to develop diversity and foster home-grown talent in the IT sector.

By Diana Sharma • 3 min read • Thu, 7th Mar 2024

Auckland Council

Councils mulling options after plug pulled on Three Waters Reform

Councils must decide whether to keep water services in-house or form regional CCOs, as new laws could reshape debt and rates bills.

By Staff Writer • 10 min read • Fri, 23rd Feb 2024

Auckland Council

Axing Auckland fuel tax highlights lack of long-term transport plan

Auckland faces a funding gap for bus, rail and road safety projects after the government scrapped a tax set to raise NZ$1.5 billion.

By Staff Writer • 7 min read • Fri, 16th Feb 2024

Auckland Council

Labour’s Auckland harbour crossing ‘absurd’

A proposed USD $35-45 billion crossing is being criticised for entrenching car dependency while risking the loss of promised light rail.

By Staff Writer • 9 min read • Wed, 23rd Aug 2023

Auckland Council

Government orchestrates takeover of Auckland suburbs

Auckland Council says it was blindsided as Kāinga Ora weighs taking over planning for suburbs on the light rail corridor, overriding local plans.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Fri, 30th Jun 2023

Auckland Council

Too much consultation, not enough action

Auckland Transport risks paralysis if it keeps seeking public input on tiny road changes already covered by approved plans.

By Staff Writer • 5 min read • Mon, 29th May 2023

Auckland Council

Pre-election conversations we need to be having

Infrastructure New Zealand wants parties to back simpler funding, congestion charging and stronger oversight to tackle the country's infrastructure deficit.

By Staff Writer • 7 min read • Fri, 26th May 2023