RNZ stories
Funding shortfalls could force West Coast councils to revert roads to gravel, leaders warn, as tourism and freight access come under pressure.
Council options for Kawau Island's rubbish service could shift costs onto residents, as islanders warn of more illegal dumping.
Extra rock removal is likely to push Ōpōtiki's new jetty extension over budget by about NZD $100,000 before decking starts.
Flood damage in Kaikōura has bolstered council scrutiny of a proposed Ocean Ridge expansion after modelling was shown to match the July deluge.
Ratepayers may see little immediate savings as councils enter the harder stage of redesigning merged authorities and ward representation.
Canterbury councils say fast-track housing could strain local infrastructure, after the minister rejected their call for a pause and review.
Bin contamination has eased in Southland, but 20 households have already lost their recycling bins after repeat rule breaches.
Unexpected ground conditions pushed the Korikori Park project to about GBP £2.6 million, but the turf is already easing cancellations for local teams.
Unrecorded sections of Southland's water network are complicating planning, as councillors were told the council still has pipes it cannot locate.
Residents fear fast-tracked solar farms could reshape the Mackenzie District without local say, prompting calls for pushback and compensation.
Residents fear the council has already settled on a site for Nelson's $73 million civic centre, but Mayor Nick Smith says all options remain open.
Questions remain over investor interest in Te Anau Airport Manapōuri, after the council declined to say how many bids were lodged.
The Government says large schools could save about NZD $8000 a year as solar panels are fitted over three years.
Water losses in Masterton have been cut to 15% as better meter data helps the council spot hidden leaks and prompt repairs.
South Island councils say the region gets too little of New Zealand's transport budget, despite generating a quarter of the population and a third of exports.
Amberley commuters may soon have a $5 bus to Christchurch, ending the Hurunui district's long public transport drought.
Ratepayers could face more than NZD $2.5 million in wasted work, as councils prepare reviews that may be overtaken by mergers.
The review could identify quick wins for Northland residents, while weighing privacy, security and ethical risks before any rollout.
The move should cut electricity bills and emissions, with Oxford Area School among 500 schools to get rooftop panels over three years.
The district's residential and industrial land shortage could bite within 25 years, prompting public consultation on rezoning in its main centres.
