AI could 'improve democracy'
Embracing AI could 'improve democracy' - ECan councillor
ECan's youngest councillor Joe Davies wants to start a working group to look at the opportunities and risks of new technologies like artificial intelligence.
Local Democracy Reporting
‘Heartbreaking’: materials dumped in southern stream
‘Heartbreaking’: materials dumped in southern stream
An investigation is under way into a "heartbreaking" environmental breach after materials from a power pole installation were dumped in a Southland waterway.
Warning illegal dumping could hit Environment Southland rates
Warning illegal dumping could hit Environment Southland rates
Illegal dumping is hitting Southlanders in the pocket, and there are warnings it could result in a rates increase.
Rise in health and safety events at ICC
Rise in health and safety events at ICC
A southern council has reported an increase in health and safety events, including abuse and "challenging behaviour".
Lack of te reo names questioned
Lack of te reo names questioned
A discussion about proposed street names for an Invercargill subdivision has highlighted a lack of clarity around council policy on te reo Māori names.
Rangiora after-hours medical centre a step closer
Rangiora after-hours medical centre a step closer
A long-awaited after-hours medical facility in Rangiora is a step closer after a meeting between the local council and the boss of South Link Health.
Fears for future of Methven creek
Fears for future of Methven creek
The Methven community is fighting to save Mt Harding Creek amid concerns it could dry up if they can’t continue to supplement the water flow through stockwater channels.
Former councillor in dispute over gorse
Former councillor in dispute over gorse
A former two-term Invercargill city councillor is battling the organisation she once represented over an unkempt section.
Dumped cars and carcasses costing Southlanders
Dumped cars and carcasses costing Southlanders
Illegal dumping is hitting Southlanders in the pocket, with warnings it could result in a rates increase.
Concern over nitrogen use discussions
Concern over nitrogen use discussions
Environment Southland's offer to discuss nitrogen use levels with concerned farmers could be perceived as favouritism, a councillor says.
Councils propose water partnership
North Canterbury councils propose water partnership
Two of North Canterbury's district councils are looking to join forces to manage their water infrastructure - while one is proposing to go it alone.
Council reports rise in health and safety events
Council reports rise in health and safety events
A southern council has reported an increase in health and safety events, including abuse and "challenging behaviour". The Invercargill City Council released the information for a recent committee...
Plan to toughen up cat ownership rules
Plan to toughen up cat ownership rules
A Canterbury SPCA is backing a plan in the Ashburton district to investigate tougher rules around desexing and microchipping pet cats.
'Steve' the boar gets to wallow in victory
'Steve' the boar gets to wallow in victory at A&P show
A boar named "Steve" was among the large number of animals competing for a ribbon at the Kaikōura A&P Show on Saturday.
Council fails on wetland care obligations
Council fails on wetland care obligations
A southern council failed to care for its wetlands, with a judgement describing those in the region as "significantly degraded in recent decades".
Plan to seal rural road proves costly
Property owners may have to pay $14,500 each to seal rural Canterbury road
A number of rural property owners may be expected to cover half the cost of a $700,000 project to seal a road near Amberley.
Council failed to protect wetlands: High Court ruling
Council failed to protect wetlands: High Court ruling
A southern council failed to care for its wetlands, with a judgement describing those in the region as "significantly degraded in recent decades".
Bypass vs bridge: Ashburton’s 15-year transport saga
Bypass vs bridge: Ashburton’s 15-year transport saga
Ashburton's second bridge has been 15 years in the making.
Deadlines fast approaching for fluoride directives
Deadlines fast approaching for fluoride directives
Fourteen councils have been ordered to fluoridate some or all of their drinking water.
Defiance and threats as fluoride deadlines loom
Defiance and threats as fluoride deadlines loom
Fourteen councils have been ordered to fluoridate some or all of their drinking water.