TelcoNews New Zealand - Telecommunications news for ICT decision-makers
New Zealand

Local Government Stories

Kiwi Stories

Local Government stories

Rates cap could leave roading projects high and dry
Local Government

Rates cap could leave roading projects high and dry

North Canterbury councils warn the cap could delay bridge and road work, forcing hard choices for small ratepayer bases and freight links.

By David Hill • 4 min read • 2 days ago
Gisborne council rejects Toitū Tairāwhiti bid to waive $985,450 in contributions
Grants

Gisborne council rejects Toitū Tairāwhiti bid to waive $985,450 in contributions

A narrow vote leaves Toitū Tairāwhiti Housing facing a nearly $1 million bill, raising fears rents on its Gisborne homes will rise.

By Imogen Brophy • 6 min read • 2 days ago
Pipes or paperwork? Mayor says councils burdened by rising audit fees
Risk & Compliance

Pipes or paperwork? Mayor says councils burdened by rising audit fees

Waimakariri ratepayers could face nearly $500,000 in annual audit costs, as the mayor says the money is being diverted from core services.

By David Hill • 4 min read • 2 days ago
Hanmer freedom camping spot to be restored
Insurance

Hanmer freedom camping spot to be restored

Flood damage has left the reserve closed for months, with repairs estimated at $35,000 and new toilets costing $148,000 before campers can return.

By David Hill • 2 min read • 3 days ago
Tai Tokerau councils tell $1.4b Northland Waters: Put affordability first
Northland

Tai Tokerau councils tell $1.4b Northland Waters: Put affordability first

Households could face higher bills as Northland's councils push the new water provider to prioritise affordability over investment pressures.

By Susan Botting • 4 min read • 3 days ago
Rotorua emergency housing drops to one motel as crisis-era numbers collapse
Ministry of Social Development

Rotorua emergency housing drops to one motel as crisis-era numbers collapse

Emergency housing demand has fallen sharply in Rotorua, leaving just one motel supporting about a dozen households after more than 600 at the 2020/21 peak.

By Mathew Nash • 3 min read • 4 days ago
South Waikato visitors asked to reconsider trip to Te Waihou/Blue Spring over long weekend
Conservation

South Waikato visitors asked to reconsider trip to Te Waihou/Blue Spring over long weekend

Pressure on South Waikato ratepayers is mounting as officials budget $20,000 for Labour weekend traffic controls at Te Waihou/Blue Spring.

By Bronson Perich • 6 min read • 4 days ago
Northland beach vehicle ban faces rethink after backlash
Northland

Northland beach vehicle ban faces rethink after backlash

Council staff have proposed a smaller Uretiti South exclusion zone after public backlash, preserving more vehicle access on Whangārei's beaches.

By Susan Botting • 4 min read • 4 days ago
Canterbury warned another flood coming within 10 years as Kaikōura recovery continues
Riverbed

Canterbury warned another flood coming within 10 years as Kaikōura recovery continues

Canterbury councillors are being told another major flood could hit within a decade, as a Kaikōura clean-up leaves ECan facing more than $30m in repairs.

By David Hill • 3 min read • 5 days ago
Enlighten Designs named OpenAI Select Partner in NZ
Data Analytics

Enlighten Designs named OpenAI Select Partner in NZ

The Hamilton software firm gains access to OpenAI support as it helps clients move AI projects from pilots into everyday use.

By Mara Sugue • 3 min read • Last week
30,000 people in Wellington region fail to pay first Tiaki Wai water bill
Commerce Commission

30,000 people in Wellington region fail to pay first Tiaki Wai water bill

More than a fifth of Wellington region accounts are in arrears, adding pressure on Tiaki Wai as second bills go out next month.

By Ellen O'Dwyer • 5 min read • Last week
Exclusive: Water done well reshapes councils' finances & plans
Commerce Commission

Exclusive: Water done well reshapes councils' finances & plans

Councils face around $50 billion of water upgrades over the next decade, as ring-fenced funding finally tackles decades of neglect.

By Mike Bishara • 9 min read • Last week
Government quietly selects liquefied natural gas provider
Procurement

Government quietly selects liquefied natural gas provider

Concerns over safety and secrecy are growing as officials move ahead with a preferred supplier for Taranaki's LNG import facility, without a contract yet signed.

By Kate Newton • 5 min read • Last week
'This is our way of life': Kura pushes back on airport's opposition to development
Aviation safety

'This is our way of life': Kura pushes back on airport's opposition to development

The dispute could delay Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata's long-planned gymnasium by up to two years as safety concerns go to hearing.

By Pokere Paewai • 6 min read • Last week
Commerce Commission confirms it will not step in to keep Wellington water bills down
Commerce Commission

Commerce Commission confirms it will not step in to keep Wellington water bills down

Residents face higher Wellington water bills after the Commerce Commission said Tiaki Wai's costs still justify rises and no cap is needed now.

By Ellen O'Dwyer and Nine to Noon • 3 min read • Last week
Kaikōura flood repairs progressing - but who will pay?
Civil Defence

Kaikōura flood repairs progressing - but who will pay?

The council faces an $8m to $30m bill for urgent flood repairs, with a funding request still awaiting NZTA approval.

By David Hill • 3 min read • Last week
Rangiora community hub project seeks go ahead from council
Local Government

Rangiora community hub project seeks go ahead from council

Rangiora's ageing Southbrook Pavilion could be replaced after the council earmarked $1.3m, with community fundraising set to match it.

By David Hill • 3 min read • Last week

Stories from Other Regions

Local Government stories

Darebin selects TechnologyOne for Digital Darebin overhaul
Digital Transformation

Darebin selects TechnologyOne for Digital Darebin overhaul

The overhaul aims to replace ageing systems, improve cyber security and help staff cut duplication while keeping services running.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 3 min read • Last week