Single authority push ‘bit of a side hustle’
A bold proposal to combine Southland’s four councils has moved a little more slowly than its instigator hoped.
Local Democracy Reporting
Ratepayer stumped by cricket proposal
Amberley ratepayer stumped by cricket ground proposal
An Amberley ratepayer says he intends to fight a plan to develop a cricket ground in the new Eastern Reserve.
Work to start on Woodend Bypass in 2026
Work to start on Woodend Bypass in 2026
Work is finally set to get under way on Canterbury's much-anticipated Woodend Bypass in early 2026.
Principals 'perplexed' over teacher-only day fuss
Principals 'perplexed' over teacher-only day fuss
Canterbury principals say they are feeling ‘‘perplexed’’ about the fuss around teacher-only days.
No-show in light of exclusion
No-show in light of exclusion
West Coast regional councillor Allan Birchfield walked away from scheduled committee meetings yesterday rather than face exclusion from the confidential sections.
Treaty Bill a ‘divisive’ waste of money - ex-councillor
Treaty Bill a ‘divisive’ waste of money - ex-councillor
A former Ashburton councillor says the Treaty Principles Bill is a waste of taxpayer money, especially as councils are being told to rein in their own spending.
Kaikōura rates rise pondered as council costs rise
Kaikōura rates rise pondered as council costs rise
Returning to a rates rise of below 10 per cent remains a priority for Kaikōura District Council after a challenging 12 months.
ECan councillor weighs in on rural water testing
Canterbury councillor weighs in on rural water testing
A Canterbury regional councillor is worried many people do not know they need to test their drinking water if it comes from a private well.
10-year fight to protect dumpsite from ocean
10-year fight to protect dumpsite from ocean
A community advocate fears an old dumpsite next to a crumbling coastal road in Southland will be eaten away by the sea while she waits for council action.
'Scum' on waterway no cause for concern
'Scum' on waterway no cause for concern
Keen-eyed observers may have noticed a toxic-looking film atop the surface of Invercargill’s Otepuni Creek last week.
West Coast wants local stash of Bailey bridges
West Coast wants local stash of Bailey bridges
The NZ Transport Agency has been asked to keep at least three of its Bailey bridges permanently on the West Coast.
Step towards freeing up reserve land
Step towards freeing up reserve land
A Southern council has taken a step towards freeing up land for development despite push-back from the community.
ECan’s water fix in doubt
ECan’s water fix in doubt amid Government changes
Efforts to fix a stormwater consenting impasse in Canterbury could be thwarted by impending changes to Government legislation.
Road funding shortfall leads to annual plan rethink
Road funding shortfall leads to annual plan rethink
Some relief could be in store for Hurunui ratepayers facing an average 14.49 per cent rates hike next year as the district council reconsiders its roading priorities.
More green waste as solar farm powers up
More green waste as Canterbury solar farm powers up
A large Canterbury solar farm which is gearing up to increase power output has also created a massive jump in green waste.
Green waste piles up as large solar farm powers up
Green waste piles up as large solar farm powers up
A large Canterbury solar farm which is gearing up to increase power output has also created a massive jump in green waste.
Predator free programme on hold over funding
Predator free programme on hold over funding
An ambitious project to rid Southland of pests has been put on hold amid financial issues.
Work starts on flood protection measure
Work starts on $750k flood protection measure to protect coastal village
A Canterbury beach community is "thrilled" to get an early Christmas present to help in the fight against rising sea levels.
Horse rider pleads for support to keep safe on roads
Horse rider pleads for support to keep safe on roads
A nationwide campaign to have horse-riders officially recognised as vulnerable road users has been offered supported by the West Coast’s Regional Transport committee.
$500K spent on binned changes
$500K spent on binned changes
West Coast councils spent close to half a million dollars working on speed limit changes the coalition government has now binned.