Local Government stories
Smaller infrastructure projects are hit hardest, as consenting now costs $1.29 billion a year and delays have nearly doubled.
The council says wider benefits for ratepayers followed once it stopped choosing projects on the lowest price and focused on long-term value.
A new tool could spare communities the disruption of council building closures by helping weigh safety risks against social and economic costs.
Industry leaders say the draft 30-year plan could give New Zealand clearer funding, planning and delivery for vital infrastructure.
The government’s plan could cut household costs, but councils fear losing control over water assets as a 30-year fix is pursued.
The bill could unlock up to 105,500 extra homes in major cities by letting most sites add three storeys without resource consents.
Poor maintenance is costing firms billions through outages, water failures and transport disruptions, the G20 says in a new policy agenda.
Communities face rising flood and erosion risks as experts gather in Wellington to map practical adaptation plans for New Zealand.
Businesses must shift to contactless operations, remote work and tighter checks as Delta-driven Alert Level 3 curbs customer access.
Businesses must shift to remote work where possible as Level 3 rules ban most customer access and require contactless trading.
Businesses will have seven days after lockdown eases to enforce QR check-ins and manual sign-ins at busy venues, experts say.
Recruitment bottlenecks and border rules are threatening delivery of New Zealand's NZ$10.1 billion infrastructure pipeline.
Projects that kept ferries running, roads safer and power supply secure were among the winners at Civil Contractors New Zealand’s awards in Wellington.
Public scrutiny begins on a replacement regime for the RMA, with the first draft aiming to speed planning and ease housing constraints.
Critics warn the draft overhaul could leave consenting slower and housebuilding harder, despite ministers promising a leaner planning regime.
Household water bills could soar unless New Zealand overhauls ageing networks, with studies flagging up to NZD $185 billion of work needed.
Residents will face a 13.5% rates rise as the council backs billions for water, housing, cycleways and library repairs over a decade.
Budget 2021’s housing package was welcomed, but experts warned it lacks the radical steps needed to help first-home buyers and renters.
Councils face tighter rules and faster consents as New Zealand moves to boost housing supply, curb prices and fund infrastructure.
Weaknesses in New Zealand’s PPP procurement have been laid bare after a review found early cost estimates and governance helped derail Transmission Gully.
