NZ On Air stories
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.
Boil notices remain in place while testing continues, though Ohakune's water supply has been restored and the emergency is easing.
The council could be forced into a government-designed restructure unless ministers grant extra time after its regional reform plan collapsed.
Officials will still assess Tauranga's bid for a new unitary authority, despite Western Bay of Plenty District Council refusing to join it.
Ratepayers could face a six-figure bill if Kawerau extends the 70kmh zone on State Highway 34, with funding uncertain.
Residents welcomed approval for a basic rebuild of Days Track, though council staff warn storms will likely damage it again.
Ratepayers face sweeping council restructures as ministers weigh rival merger bids, with some regions set for government-imposed changes.
Mainland ratepayers are subsidising Kawau Island rubbish collection, as residents seek to curb dumping and protect Sandspit Reserve.
Residents were warned too late as Ohakune's reservoir emptied, leaving businesses and households without water on a busy winter weekend.
Residents fear forced moves and possible homelessness if the council's plans for Rotorua's biggest pensioner housing block proceed.
Ten years on, the outbreak still shapes drinking-water rules after contaminated taps sickened more than 5,500 people and killed four.
Residents in Glentunnel could see New Zealand’s first rubber road next January as Selwyn District weighs a trial using recycled tyres.
Ashburton motorists will still fund roads nationwide after Finance Minister Nicola Willis rejected a mayoral hopeful’s plan to keep charges local.
Councils warn the bill could saddle ratepayers with unfunded duties, as toilets, cemeteries and consenting are left off the core services list.
The Greens say restoring passenger rail could ease pressure on Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga as regional airlines cut routes and costs climb.
