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Lower rates and better services 'a bit unrealistic', economist says
Statistics NZ

Lower rates and better services 'a bit unrealistic', economist says

Ratepayers could face poorer roads and water systems if councils are forced to hold increases down, a leading economist says.

By Jordan Smith • 3 min read • Today
Manawatū-Whanganui regional council to make 'trade-offs' ahead of rates caps
Climate change

Manawatū-Whanganui regional council to make 'trade-offs' ahead of rates caps

Residents face slimmer services and delayed projects as the council tries to stay within a future 2% to 4% rates cap.

By Rebecca Hogan • 2 min read • Today
Hamilton aquatic centre up 60,000 visitors, councillor keen for expansion or new facility
Schools

Hamilton aquatic centre up 60,000 visitors, councillor keen for expansion or new facility

A warm spell has pushed Waterworld 60,000 visits ahead of last year, prompting calls for more pool capacity before summer peaks.

By Jordan Smith • 3 min read • Today
Selwyn's booming growth delivers $104m surplus
Local Government

Selwyn's booming growth delivers $104m surplus

Growth across the district swelled Selwyn's operating surplus and drove debt down to $195.9m, but officials say the figure is not cash.

By Jonathan Leask • 4 min read • Today
Red tape stalls water leak fix in Carterton
Local Government

Red tape stalls water leak fix in Carterton

Red tape over private property access has delayed leak repairs in Carterton, where an estimated 500,000 litres of water was lost.

By Emily Ireland • 4 min read • Today
Mackenzie toilet charges to kick-in ahead of Waitangi weekend
Payment Technologies

Mackenzie toilet charges to kick-in ahead of Waitangi weekend

Visitors to 33 Mackenzie toilets will pay $1.50 a visit from Waitangi weekend 2027, as the council shifts costs onto tourists.

By Claire Taylor • 4 min read • Today
Green light sought for early return of saved community pool
Ministry of Education

Green light sought for early return of saved community pool

Schools could regain access to a rural Canterbury pool this month, after volunteers won a bid to reopen it before ownership transfers.

By Jonathan Leask • 4 min read • Today
Splash Planet's future up for feedback as Hastings council looks to limit rates rises
Local Government

Splash Planet's future up for feedback as Hastings council looks to limit rates rises

Residents are being asked whether to keep funding the ageing theme park as Hastings District Council weighs service cuts to ease rates pressure.

By Linda Hall • 4 min read • Today
Google launches Gemini for government services preview
Quantum Computing

Google launches Gemini for government services preview

Many agencies are still stuck in pilots, as Google's new government AI tools aim to tackle security, integration and classified search needs.

By Regine Laguilles • 4 min read • Today
Public Services Increasingly Depend On Stronger, Smarter Networks
Data Protection

Public Services Increasingly Depend On Stronger, Smarter Networks

Outages, cyberattacks and ageing systems are making reliable digital government harder to deliver for Australians, despite tighter budgets.

By Trevor Boal • 5 min read • Yesterday
Epson courts councils with live printer speed test
Document Management

Epson courts councils with live printer speed test

Council buyers at an Adelaide conference will see whether a heat-free inkjet starts printing faster than a comparable laser device in a live test.

By Mara Sugue • 4 min read • Today
City of Canada Bay adopts TechnologyOne Plus platform
Digital Transformation

City of Canada Bay adopts TechnologyOne Plus platform

The deal will help staff find information faster and streamline routine work as councils race to use artificial intelligence in administration.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Today
Ashburton councillor warns pay-per-litre water charges 'within five years'
Local Government

Ashburton councillor warns pay-per-litre water charges 'within five years'

Households in Mid Canterbury could soon face metered water bills, as Ashburton Council warns the proposed charging model may be compulsory within five years.

By Jonathan Leask • 4 min read • Last week
Footpath petition questioned; Councillor says he unknowingly signed it
Local Government

Footpath petition questioned; Councillor says he unknowingly signed it

Questions over the validity of a 263-name petition have put pressure on Ashburton's footpath plans, after a councillor said he signed it by mistake.

By Jonathan Leask • 4 min read • Last week
Arts Village granted lease reprieve, but mayor warns 'no more free rides'
Local Government

Arts Village granted lease reprieve, but mayor warns 'no more free rides'

Rotorua ratepayers will fund the Arts Village for another year after councillors backed a rent-free lease, despite warnings over rising costs.

By Mathew Nash • 6 min read • Last week
Homebuyers face confusion over unconsented work
Real estate

Homebuyers face confusion over unconsented work

Council guidance on new consent exemptions is leaving buyers wary, as more properties come under scrutiny for hidden unconsented work.

By Claire Taylor • 3 min read • Last week
$100m in Whangārei ratepayer-funded assets earmarked for transfer
Commercial Property

$100m in Whangārei ratepayer-funded assets earmarked for transfer

Public consultation has opened on moving nearly NZD $100 million in Whangārei assets, including the Hundertwasser Art Centre and marinas, into a council company.

By Susan Botting • 5 min read • Last week
Thames pool gets $35k paint job to ward off black mould
Local Government

Thames pool gets $35k paint job to ward off black mould

A three-week summer closure will let Thames' Centennial Pool be repainted so black mould does not return and water quality standards are met.

By Jordan Smith • 3 min read • Last week