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“Listen To Locals, Not Councils” Taxpayers’ Union Tells Simon Watts To Commit To Rates Capping Legislation

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 7:11 pm | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union

We’ve been pushing for rates capping laws for years. Used in the UK and states of Australia—they’re neither new, nor radical. But they are effective. More >>

Tangata Whenua Calls For Shakeup Of Wastewater Group

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 7:09 pm | Zita Campbell - Local Democracy Reporter

Samuel Lewis seeks "better, fairer representation" on Gisborne's wastewater group. More >>

Tauranga Marine Precinct Sale Finalised After Court Dismisses Injunction

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 7:08 pm | Alisha Evans - Local Democracy Reporter

The settlement comes two weeks after a High Court judge dismissed the interim injunction that had halted the sale. More >>

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Hemi Rolleston Wins Tauranga Māori Ward Byelection

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 7:03 pm | Alisha Evans - Local Democracy Reporter

The final vote count shows Rolleston won by 119 votes. He received 543 votes. More >>

Canterbury Bus Fares To Increase From July

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 7:02 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Greater Christchurch bus fares will increase in July, with the standard adult fare increasing from $2 to $3. More >>

Final Result: Te Awanui Ward By-Election

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:55 pm | Tauranga City Council

The seat became vacant earlier this year after the resignation of Mikaere Sydney for medical reasons. More >>

South Island Rail To Be Cut Adrift For 4 Years, Due To Early Axing Of Aratere Ferry

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:34 pm | Save Our Trains

“While we have applauded the necessary decision by Minister Peters to resurrect the rail ferries programme, we now see how much the Government’s earlier axing of the rail ferries is costing us,” spokesperson Dave Macpherson said. More >>

Embolden Your Councils: Seabed Mining Critics Call On Voters

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:26 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting

Protect Our Moana Taranaki co-leader Fiona Young highlighted a petition calling for councils and councillors across Taranaki, Whanganui and Manawatu to oppose Trans-Tasman’s plans. More >>

Support Pours In For Ashburton’s Inhouse Water Proposal

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:20 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

Submissions suggest the public is on board to go with the flow for the proposed future of Ashburton's water services. More >>

Ruapehu Mayor Welcomes DOC Concession For Whakapapa Ski Field As Critical Step In Securing Mt Ruapehu’s Future

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:18 pm | Ruapehu District Council

Mayor Kirton extended his thanks to both the Department of Conservation and Cabinet for their roles in enabling this outcome, following a challenging period since Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (RAL) entered voluntary administration in 2022. More >>

Update 5pm Wed 30 Apr: SH1 Mangamuka Gorge Will Remain Closed Overnight

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:14 pm | NZTA

NZTA will provide another update before noon tomorrow. More >>

Buller Mayor Calls For Civility As Costs And Tempers Rise

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:13 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter

Buller’s mayor Jamie Cleine says the councillor’s behaviour was unacceptable and he is hoping for an explanation or apology from Cr Reidy at a council meeting this afternoon. More >>

Whanganui Citizens’ Assembly: Māori, Teens, Elders Among Chosen 40

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:10 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter

From teens to elders, 40 locals have been painstakingly selected for a diverse assembly that will be paid to discuss and debate the future of outdoor pools and come up with recommendations for the council. More >>

Wairere Drive Speed Limit Reduction One Step Closer To A Green Light

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:01 pm | Hamilton City Council

Council must now apply to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi for approval before the speed limit can be formally changed. More >>

Hurunui Proposes 3.3% Rates Rise, But Roading Budget Suffers

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:55 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The Hurunui District Council's annual plan is out for consultation, with a proposed average rate rise of 3.31%. More >>

PSNA Complaint About TVNZ Reporting Upheld By The Broadcasting Standards Authority

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:50 pm | Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

We pointed out the error quickly but TVNZ refused to issue an apology and said it didn't really matter because the mayor of Amsterdam had said there were anti-semitic attacks so the TVNZ mistake was minor. More >>

Go-Ahead Given To Finalise Ground-Lease Sale Negotiations

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:48 pm | Wellington City Council

Today’s debate and vote on the ground leases was closed to the public given the commercially-confidential nature of the negotiations. The Council will also not identify the individual sites until sales are completed, at which point further information ... More >>

Hurunui Council Seat To Remain Vacant

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:43 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The seat left by Cr Garry Jackson on the Hurunui District Council will remain vacant until October's election. More >>

Private Dump Owners Unhappy Over Council Court Action

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:40 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter

The company, under Timaru-based directors Tony Moir and Bruce Tinnelly, is being prosecuted by the regional council, on charges of discharging contaminants to land. More >>

Selwyn Councillor Phil Dean Steps Down

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:37 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

Selwyn District Councillor Phil Dean has resigned to focus on other commitments. More >>

Hawkins Eyes Up South Wairarapa Mayoral Challenge

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:36 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

She said she would fight for “actual solutions and innovation” that fit the district and its financial challenges. More >>

Another Wind Warning For Auckland Harbour Bridge - Don't Get Blown Away!

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:28 pm | NZTA

Drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to avoid the Auckland Harbour Bridge and use the western ring route on State Highways 16 and 18. More >>

Marine Precinct Contract Settlement Completed

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:09 pm | Tauranga City Council

Chief Executive Marty Grenfell says the Council will continue engaging with all marine industry stakeholders as well as ensuring that the wider interests of the community are met. More >>

Nelson To Blenheim State Highway Speed Limit Increase ‘Disrespectful’ To Locals

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:05 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter

The reverse of road speed limits means SH6 between Nelson and Blenheim will return to 100km/h. More >>

'Oh Hell No' - Crash Survivor Angry At Increased Speed Limits On SH3 Near Waitara

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 3:47 pm | RNZ

Trevor Dodunski understands the consequences of a head-on crash better than most. More >>

Fatal Crash, Awakino, Waitomo District

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 3:40 pm | New Zealand Police

State Highway 3 at Awakino remains closed. More >>

Pilot Project Delivers Promising Results For Sustainable Urban Design

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 3:32 pm | Auckland Council

The Living Roof Monitoring project was launched to assess how well these verdant rooftops perform compared to conventional ones. After months of careful monitoring, the results highlight their effectiveness as a sustainable urban solution. More >>

Harbour Ferry Transitions To Cashless Payments

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 3:29 pm | Greater Wellington Te Pane Matua Taiao

Ferry staff will be able to provide in-person support and assist passengers with any questions. More >>

Whites Bridge Near Arthur’s Pass Village – Delays Next Week For Rock Scaling

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 3:23 pm | NZTA

NZTA thanks all road users for their patience while the crew is dropping loose boulders safely off the rock face, ahead of the construction of a rockfall safety fence over the coming weeks. More >>

Draft Annual Plan Maintains Momentum In Roading Improvements

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 2:27 pm | Hurunui District Council

The draft Plan was adopted by Council at Tuesday’s meeting with a proposed increase in the general rate of 3.31% - a significant reduction from the 14.49% proposed in the draft Long Term Plan. More >>

Severe Weather Brings A Suite Of Warnings For Both Islands

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 2:07 pm | MetService

Widespread rain is currently affecting many parts of the North Island, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours. These conditions are forecast to become more persistent and spread further across the island by this afternoon (Wednesday). More >>

New Greater Christchurch Metro Fares To Come Into Effect In July

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 1:56 pm | Environment Canterbury

Environment Canterbury Chair Craig Pauling said today’s decision was about the timing for when new fares would come into effect, after the decision to increase fares was made by Council last year. More >>

Voting Ban “Undermines Democratic Principles” Says Justice Group

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 1:39 pm | People Against Prisons Aotearoa

“The right to vote is the basis of democratic government. Legitimate governments cannot arbitrarily remove people from the pool that elects them. If the Government strips New Zealanders of the right to vote, it is attacking the democratic principles ... More >>

Ranger’s Dream To Protect An Ancient Kānuka ‘Island’

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 1:24 pm | Department of Conservation

DOC Biodiversity Ranger Christina Stet says when she’s sitting in the middle of the kānuka forest island or motu on the flat expanse of the plains, she feels like she’s travelled back hundreds of years. More >>

Construction To Start On New Average Speed Safety Cameras In Auckland

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 1:16 pm | NZ Transport Agency

NZTA Auckland and Northland Director of Regional Relationships, Steve Mutton, says the safety cameras aim to significantly reduce the number of people traveling over the speed limit on this road and lessen the likelihood of a serious or fatal crash. More >>

Two To Appear In Court Following A Building Fire, Frankton

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 1:08 pm | New Zealand Police

After an investigation into the fire, Police this morning arrested a 46-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman. More >>

Watercare Thanks Aucklanders For Mindful Water Use As Dam Levels Start To Recover

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 12:52 pm | Watercare

Watercare activated its Drought Management Plan in early March and stepped up its water conservation messaging when dam levels dropped below the ‘preparing for drought’ trigger point. More >>

Whenua Iti Outdoors Launches Youth Leadership Council To Champion Rangatahi Voices

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 12:44 pm | Whenua Iti

The formation of the Youth Leadership Council is part of Whenua Iti’s ongoing commitment to co-designing programmes that are relevant, inclusive, and empowering. More >>

Taranaki Councils Seek Public Input On Options To Deliver Future Water Services

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 12:30 pm | Taranaki Mayoral Forum

The regional Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) is the proposed option the three councils are seeking community input on, as each Council looks to meet the government’s Local Water Done Well (LWDW) strategy to tackle New Zealand’s ... More >>

Update: SH1 Mangamuka Gorge Closure

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 12:27 pm | NZ Transport Agency

Contractors had been monitoring movement on the hillside following recent heavy rain and the slip was expected. There is a detour route in place via State Highway 10. People are asked to plan ahead and allow additional time for their journeys. More >>

Proposed Average Rates Increase For Taupō District

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 12:13 pm | Taupo District Council

The final proposed average rates increase of 8.4 per cent that councillors discussed at the Taupō District Council meeting yesterday is 0.1 per cent higher than forecast in the Long-term Plan 2024-34 which was adopted on 30 September 2024. More >>

Mayor Urges Govt To Approve Bed Night Visitor Levy Following Public Support

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 12:03 pm | Office of the Mayor of Auckland

Mayor Brown says the annual plan is a small but crucial step in moving Auckland in a progressive direction. More >>

Updated Tree Regulations A Win For Power Reliability And Cost

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 11:16 am | Electricity Networks Aotearoa

The new regulations, announced in response to years of industry advocacy, will give lines companies the authority to proactively manage hazardous trees near power lines — a move ENA describes as a "positive and overdue step forward." More >>

Over One Million Attempts To Access Child Sexual Exploitation Material Blocked In 2024

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 11:12 am | Department Of Internal Affairs

Alongside the 1,032,683 access attempts to websites known to harbour child sexual exploitation material being blocked, 16,223 referrals were received from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to NZ Police, DIA and NZ Customs Services, ... More >>

Changing The Trajectory: Report Reveals Solutions For Improving Outcomes For Vulnerable Children In Aotearoa New Zealand

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 11:06 am | Stand Tu Maia

The report examines how early experiences of trauma shape the trajectory of individuals’ lives and presents a clear argument for investing in trauma-capable services. Such interventions improve long-term outcomes for children and their whānau. More >>

“We Were Promised Justice - We Are Given Betrayal”: Survivors Reject Government’s Redress Plan

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 11:03 am | NZCAST

The newly released Cabinet paper confirms that no independent redress body will be created at this time. Instead, existing government agencies responsible for past abuses will continue to control the claims process. More >>

Serious Crash, SH3, Awakino

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 10:58 am | New Zealand Police

Traffic management is being arranged, and motorists should expect delays of several hours while the scene is cleared. Police advise motorists to take alternative routes. More >>

Councils Going After Mortgages For Unpaid Rates, Collecting Millions

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 10:29 am | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union

Councils are so distracted by a massively broadened scope that they have forgotten they work for the ratepayer, who now rightly expects them to focus on the basics; roads, rubbish and pipes. More >>

Land Search And Rescue Launches Searchlight 2025 – Celebrating 92 Years

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 10:23 am | Land Search and Rescue

Running from 1 May to 31 May 2025, Searchlight 2025 shines a light on the extraordinary efforts of Land Search and Rescue’s volunteer responders, who selflessly give their time and expertise to bring people safely home. More >>

Dog De-sexing Programme A Success

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 9:11 am | Masterton District Council

The Council’s Animal Services Team was awarded a $10,000 Trust House grant to support owners with the cost of de-sexing their dogs, with 59 applications received from owners. More >>

Aotearoa NZ Reaches ‘Earth Overshoot Day’ On 30 April: Time To Act For A More Sustainable Future

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 9:07 am | Public Health Communication Centre

Earth Overshoot Day signals the moment when our demand for ecological resources exceeds what Earth can regenerate in a year, highlighting the urgent need for a shift towards more sustainable practices. If everyone lived like New Zealanders, we would need ... More >>

TDC Begins Consultation On Government Water Reforms

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 9:00 am | Taupo District Council

From today, Taupō District Council is asking for the community's input on the best option for its future water services delivery. Keeping water services as they are is not an option. More >>

Man Sentenced After Operation Barber Cuts At West Coast Drug Supply

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 8:56 am | New Zealand Police

Leo Smith, aged 22, was on Tuesday (29 April) sentenced to 10 months home detention. More >>

Aotearoa Falls Behind Global Average – Switch To Paleo Could Help

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 7:38 am | Vegan Society

“We should all be very concerned about this day, as it marks our sustainability, and Aotearoa is falling behind the rest of the world. Ministers may claim that we are the best, but the reality is we are amongst the worst,” media spokesperson Claire Insley warned. More >>