Issues in emergency management revealed
An analysis of Southland’s most recent emergencies has identified a range of issues with how they were managed.
Local Democracy Reporting
Disappointment over speed limit reversal
'Saving seconds over safety': Disappointment over Rakaia speed limit reversal
The Rakaia community is disappointed the lower speed limit they fought for along SH1 through the town will soon be reversed.
No progress on promised after-hours clinic
'Disappointed': No progress on promised after-hours clinic in Rangiora
A Canterbury community leader is frustrated over the lack of progress made on a promised after-hours medical centre in Rangiora.
Decision to put sealed roads back to gravel delayed
Decision to put sealed roads back to gravel delayed
A decision on reverting sealed roads back to gravel has been delayed by a southern council.
Frustration increasing over struggling airport
Frustration increasing over struggling airport
Steps to improve the fortunes of an embattled Fiordland airport have been lambasted during a heated council debate.
Road network at risk amid funding shortfall
Road network at risk amid funding shortfall
Three Southland roads are at risk of reverting to gravel as the district council struggles to maintain its network amid funding issues.
District likely to keep rates rise under 5%
District likely to keep rates rise under 5%
Waimakariri District Council staff have proposed an average rates rise of 4.98% in the 2025/26 annual plan.
Funding shortfall means roads may return to gravel
Funding shortfall means roads may return to gravel
Three Southland roads are at risk of reverting to gravel as the district council struggles to maintain its network amid funding issues.
Homeowner blindsided by tree cost-cutting
Homeowner blindsided by tree cost-cutting
The local council says it will no longer help a Canterbury woman maintain a huge California Redwood tree towering over her property.
Homeowner blindsided by tree cost-cutting
Homeowner blindsided by council’s tree cost-cutting
The local council says it will no longer help a Canterbury woman maintain the huge California Redwood tree that towers over her property.
Council told to speed up housing planning
Waimakariri council told to speed up planning for future housing
A Rangiora developer is frustrated by the slow speed of long-term planning for Canterbury's housing needs.
Mayor calls for future consultation on Act
Mayor calls for future consultation on Act
Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark has penned a strongly worded letter to the government about changes to waste policy, calling for consultation in future decision-making.
Toxic algae triggers warnings
Toxic algae triggers warnings
A spate of toxic algae appearances in Southland has prompted warnings at rivers.
Mayor calls for future consultation on Act
Mayor calls for future consultation on Act
Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark has penned a strongly worded letter to the government about changes to waste policy, calling for consultation in future decision making.
Russian businessman buys old council building
Russian businessman buys old Canterbury council building for $2.3m
A Russian businessman is the new owner of the former Ashburton District Council building.
MP's promotion good for South Island - mayor
MP's promotion good for South Island - mayor
Ashburton's mayor believes the promotion of a local MP will have benefits for the South Island.
MP's promotion good for South Island: mayor
MP's promotion good for South Island: mayor
Ashburton's mayor believes the promotion of local MP James Meager will have benefits for all the South Island.
Canterbury’s water leadership facing shake-up
Canterbury’s water leadership facing shake-up
The axe is hanging over Canterbury’s 10 water zone committees, which have helped manage local water resources for over 10 years.
Toxic algae prompts warnings for region
Toxic algae prompts warnings for region
A spate of toxic algae appearances in Southland has prompted warnings at rivers across the region.
Fears students will leave without qualifications
Fears new literacy, numeracy standards could force students to leave school
Canterbury school principals fear students may leave school with no qualifications due to the new requirements for literacy and numeracy standards.