RNZ stories
Safety gains from raised road platforms in Hamilton are outweighing complaints, as councils review costly fixes for faulty installations.
More than half of tenants in homes managed by several major agencies reported mould, damp or draughts, fuelling calls for tighter oversight.
Residents could face weaker flood protection after a former chief financial officer accused Environment Southland of failing to deliver promised work.
Severe weather clean-up costs in Tairāwhiti have been eased, with Gisborne District Council securing the largest share of a new grant.
Work to secure State Highway 6 at Epitaph Slip could still be years off, despite a completed case for a $102 million realignment.
Rural households in Tasman face higher bills as new national rules force long-delayed water upgrades to protect drinking safety.
A proposed Timberlea station could spur housing and retail growth in Upper Hutt if councillors agree to fund a feasibility study.
Larger stones are set to be installed after high seas sent driftwood and debris over the Hokitika flood barrier and onto the walkway.
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.
