Latest Regional Headlines
Failing Bridge Closes In Whanganui
Monday, 10 February 2025, 9:43 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Wakefield Street Bridge in Whanganui is no longer fit for vehicles and has been closed. More >>
Toxic Algae Hits Popular Masterton Lake
Monday, 10 February 2025, 9:40 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
High levels of toxic algae has forced the closure of Henley Lake to recreational users. More >>
‘Lifetime Of Hurt’: Memorial Plans For Unmarked Graves Gets Underway
Monday, 10 February 2025, 9:38 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
The unmarked graves, many of them Māori babies, has long been a source of pain to many in the rural south Auckland community. More >>
Warning Signs Not The Answer After Rakaia River Death – Councillor
Monday, 10 February 2025, 9:22 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Better signage wouldn’t have been avoided a woman dying following a water incident at the Rakai River mouth in Canterbury. More >>
New Rakaia Recreation Centre Due To Open By Rugby Season
Monday, 10 February 2025, 9:19 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
The new Rakaia Recreation Centre will be finished by the end of March. More >>
Ashburton Council’s ‘Aesthetic’ Fix For Gallery Air Conditioning
Monday, 10 February 2025, 9:16 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum’s air conditioning will move to the “aesthetically pleasing” ground floor location — pending resource consent approval. More >>
Ashburton’s Green Bin Rollout To Go Ahead, Despite Govt Policy Change
Monday, 10 February 2025, 9:11 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
With a Government requirement changed post long-term plan, the Ashburton District Council briefily revisted its decison to roll out green waste collection in 2026. More >>
Lessons To Be Learnt As Waimea Dam Opens After 24 Years
Monday, 10 February 2025, 9:08 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
The Waimea Community Dam finally opened on Friday and served as an example of the country's challenges in delivering large infrastructure projects. More >>
ECan Left Waiting For Advice On Large Solar Farms
Monday, 10 February 2025, 9:05 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Canterbury's regional council is none the wiser on how to respond to large-scale solar farm applications. More >>
Sergeant And Bombardier 'Lost Control' During Beating, Court Martial Told
Monday, 10 February 2025, 9:03 pm | RNZ
A soldier was beaten so badly by a sergeant and a bombardier that the soldier twice lost consciousness, a military court has heard. More >>
Delayed Release Of Manurewa Marae Inquiry Report Criticised
Monday, 10 February 2025, 8:58 pm | RNZ
The findings were due to be released last week but were delayed - with the Public Service Commission saying the findings required more time. More >>
Whangārei Hāpu Set To Go Back To Court To Battle Housing Development On Sacred Site
Monday, 10 February 2025, 8:52 pm | RNZ
A Whangārei based hāpu are going back to court for the latest in a legal saga spanning 30 years. More >>
Hawke's Bay: State Of The Environment - January 2025
Monday, 10 February 2025, 6:56 pm | Hawkes Bay Regional Council
River flows were mostly below average except for two sites in the north and groundwater levels have returned to normal. Soil moisture levels at most sites are near normal for the time of year. More >>
Most Waikato People Rate Life Positively, But Many Face Challenges: Survey
Monday, 10 February 2025, 6:42 pm | Waikato Regional Council
The initial survey results give a region-wide view and will be supplemented with more detailed district-level data later this year, which will be available on the Waikato Progress Indicators website. More >>
Hamilton Gets Welcoming Tick Of Approval
Monday, 10 February 2025, 6:01 pm | Hamilton City Council
Hamilton City Council was recently recognised as an Established Welcoming Community under Immigration NZ’s Welcoming Communities Te Waharoa ki ngaa Hapori programme. The programme aims to help recent migrants, former refugees, international students ... More >>
UPDATE: Overnight Shift Of SH1 Southbound Traffic
Monday, 10 February 2025, 5:45 pm | NZTA
During motorway closures necessary as part of this project, traffic will be detoured along Great South Road. More >>
“Read The Room, Mayor” – Wellingtonians Want Rates Capping
Monday, 10 February 2025, 5:29 pm | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
“Instead of listening to locals, Mayor Whanau has brushed off the poll as fake news. She instead remains committed to driving the city into the ground – literally rating people out of their own homes in the process.” More >>
Mentoring Support For Not-for-profit Organisations
Monday, 10 February 2025, 5:26 pm | SociaLink
SociaLink Mentoring Coordinator Leanne Rhodes-Robinson is keen to hear from anyone with leadership experience who can work with people such as general managers, centre managers and board chairs and who understands the joys and constraints of the not-for-profit ... More >>
New Charity Launches With Silent March In Nelson
Monday, 10 February 2025, 5:16 pm | Saint Nicholas Children's Trust
The Saint Nicholas Children's Trust was founded in 2024 by Angela Francis, former Chief Executive of Nelson Bays Primary Health, Asthma Foundation of New Zealand, and former Executive Director of the Federation of Primary Health. More >>
Police Pleased To Report No Significant Issues Following Tangi
Monday, 10 February 2025, 4:27 pm | New Zealand Police
An operation to monitor the behaviour of those involved was carried out by Police, monitoring the tangi as well as the procession to the cemetery. More >>
State Highway 3 Blocked, Te Mapara - Waikato
Monday, 10 February 2025, 4:08 pm | New Zealand Police
No injuries have been reported however the road is expected to be closed for several hours. More >>
Congestion On SH1 North Of Kaiwaka
Monday, 10 February 2025, 4:06 pm | NZ Transport Agency
Contractors resealed a 650m section of the state highway last night and, due to the high volume of traffic in this area, vehicles are moving very slowly over the new surface, causing significant congestion. More >>
Timely Upgrade For Taupō Events Centre Stadium
Monday, 10 February 2025, 4:05 pm | Taupo District Council
Taupō District Council district venues manager Bryce Green says with almost 2000 square metres of floor space available, this planned work will benefit all events and functions. More >>
Can You Help Identify This Person?
Monday, 10 February 2025, 3:29 pm | New Zealand Police
We are hoping they can assist with an ongoing enquiry in relation to an assault on Barbadoes Street on 23 January. More >>
Bringing Walls To Life - Tauranga Street Art Festival Turns The City Into A Living Canvas
Monday, 10 February 2025, 3:02 pm | Tauranga City Council
Like an artist’s first brushstroke on a fresh canvas, the festival will reimagine the cityscape - blending creativity, community, and culture into a masterpiece of motion. More >>
Summer Weekly Water Supply Update From Watercare
Monday, 10 February 2025, 2:56 pm | Watercare
Total dam storage today: 72.3%, Historical average dam storage: 81.7%, Seven-day average water use: 477 million litres per day and Weather forecast for the week: Drier than normal. More >>
Update: Search For Missing Man, Cook Strait
Monday, 10 February 2025, 2:49 pm | New Zealand Police
Hundreds of search hours have been put into finding the man, with air, shoreline, and water-based assets. Sadly, no further items of interest have been found since the man’s jetski was discovered on the day he went missing. More >>
Project Future Proof: Stage Two Gets Underway
Monday, 10 February 2025, 1:25 pm | Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Stage Two of Project Future Proof will improve the flood defences along Quay Street, from the Whakatāne iSite to in front of Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Whakatāne office. More >>
Afternoon Thunderstorms And Sunshine
Monday, 10 February 2025, 1:21 pm | MetService
For tomorrow (Tuesday), showers and thunderstorms are on the menu again, this time reaching up into the upper North Island, but are currently at a lower risk of being severe. However, MetService advises to keep an eye on the forecast as we get closer ... More >>
Gone Barking Mad? Nope, It's Just Bark In The Park
Monday, 10 February 2025, 1:16 pm | Tauranga City Council
2025 is the third running of the event, and the team is still just as excited to put this event on for local dog lovers and pet owners alike. More >>
Draft QLDC Events Policy Open For Community Feedback
Monday, 10 February 2025, 1:14 pm | Queenstown Lakes District Council
The policy is being updated to clarify what the community wants from events, including economic benefits and wider considerations such as health and safety, community and environmental impact. More >>
Toxic Algae Prompts Closure Of Henley Lake To Recreational Users
Monday, 10 February 2025, 1:08 pm | Masterton District Council
Contact with the water may be unsafe and the Council has closed the lake for recreational purposes until health warnings are removed. More >>
Three Bags Full: Sweet Arrest In Pukekohe
Monday, 10 February 2025, 12:02 pm | New Zealand Police
A 28-year-old woman will appear in Pukekohe District Court today charged with shoplifting. Officers found 10 tubs of mayonnaise, 13 bottles of shampoo and 66 blocks of chocolate stuffed inside the bags. None of the items had been paid for and she was quickly ... More >>
Man Arrested After Officers Threatened With Machete
Monday, 10 February 2025, 11:57 am | New Zealand Police
A 21-year-old Taradale man has been charged with dangerous driving; possession of an offensive weapon, assaulting Police, injures with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, resisting Police, threatening to kill & driving with excess breath alcohol; ... More >>
Nowhere To Hide For Dangerous Driver
Monday, 10 February 2025, 11:53 am | New Zealand Police
A 22-year-old will appear in Auckland District Court on 14 February charged with dangerous driving and failing to stop. More >>
Fishermen Lucky To Be Alive After Daring Evening Rescue At Bethells Wrapping Up Busy Weekend For Surf Lifeguards
Monday, 10 February 2025, 11:30 am | Surf Life Saving New Zealand
Two fishermen are lucky to be alive today thanks to Bethells surf lifeguards and SAR squad. More >>
Auckland Council Urges Vigilance Against Wildfire Risks In Regional And Local Parks
Monday, 10 February 2025, 10:43 am | Auckland Council
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is currently in a restricted fire season. Anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire will need a fire permit authorised by Fire and Emergency, which they can apply for at checkitsalright.nz More >>
Fatal Crash, SH7, Lewis Pass
Monday, 10 February 2025, 8:29 am | New Zealand Police
Police were notified of the single vehicle crash at around 9.50pm. Sadly, despite efforts from emergency services, one person died at the scene. More >>
Fatal Crash: Oregan Road, Ngāhinapōuri
Sunday, 9 February 2025, 9:15 pm | New Zealand Police
The road is currently closed while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination. More >>
Rescue On The Wakaia River
Sunday, 9 February 2025, 4:15 pm | New Zealand Police
Police would like to thank Land Search and Rescue volunteers from Southland, Eastern Southland, Catlins, and Fiordland, alongside Amateur Radio Emergency Communications. More >>
Police Urging Caution On The Roads As Thousands Depart Region
Sunday, 9 February 2025, 2:33 pm | New Zealand Police
Ensure you plan your journey ahead and allow plenty of travel time in case of delays. With a significant increase in traffic heading out of the region, it is crucial to keep your cool all times. More >>
Fatal Crash, Kakaramea Road, Ngahinapouri
Sunday, 9 February 2025, 2:10 pm | New Zealand Police
The road is closed while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene. More >>
Police Closely Monitoring Hawke’s Bay Tangi
Sunday, 9 February 2025, 2:08 pm | New Zealand Police
Police have been working with whanau and gang leaders to minimise the impact to the community and the tangi itself. More >>
South Wairarapa Council Set To Throw Weight Behind New Remutaka Road
Saturday, 8 February 2025, 9:46 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
South Wairarapa District Council, whose residents frequently travel over the Remutaka Hill, are set to endorse an investigation for an alternate route. More >>
Gisborne’s Ambitious Plan For Forestry And Farming Land: Overlay3B Explained
Saturday, 8 February 2025, 9:44 pm | Zita Campbell - Local Democracy Reporter
Sixty thousand hectares in Gisborne need vegetation to combat erosion. More >>
Napier Aquatic Centre Dives Into Final Phase Of $4m Refurbishment
Saturday, 8 February 2025, 9:37 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
The Old Pool will be open, but with limited lane-swimming space and no water-play space available until all works are completed in late April. More >>
Featherston Wastewater Hearing Planned For Mid-year
Saturday, 8 February 2025, 9:35 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The 10-year resource consent application was lodged to the Greater Wellington Regional Council by Wellington Water on behalf of South Wairarapa District Council. More >>
Featherston Water Pipeline Work Imminent
Saturday, 8 February 2025, 9:33 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The Tauwharenīkau pipeline will soon be replaced. More >>
Help Needed For Community Water Supplies
Saturday, 8 February 2025, 9:31 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Water supply caretaker and co-treasurer of the board Richard Kemeny addressed the council at a meeting on Tuesday, pointing out that part of the general rate goes toward water supplies, meaning rural users are paying twice. More >>
Local Board Backs Fa'anānā Efeso Collins Mural
Saturday, 8 February 2025, 8:49 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Multiple stakeholders have expressed strong support for a mural in Manukau honouring the late Fa'anānā Efeso Collins. More >>
FBI Enlists NZ Police To Investigate Sexual Abuse In Secretive Sect
Saturday, 8 February 2025, 7:37 pm | RNZ
The FBI is sharing information about alleged sexual abuse within an underground religious group with New Zealand police as part of its global investigation. More >>
Fatality, Maketu
Saturday, 8 February 2025, 5:24 pm | New Zealand Police
Despite immediate medical attention, he was sadly unable to be revived. More >>
Fatal Water Incident, Rakaia River
Saturday, 8 February 2025, 5:08 pm | New Zealand Police
Of the six people recovered, one person was located deceased and one person was transported to hospital in a critical condition by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. More >>
Man Before Courts After Item Of Concern Found At Hamilton Police Station
Saturday, 8 February 2025, 3:27 pm | New Zealand Police
The 29-year-old man appeared in Hamilton District Court today on multiple charges. More >>
Serious Crash, Parihauhau Road, Parikino: - Central
Saturday, 8 February 2025, 2:33 pm | New Zealand Police
Parihauhau Road is closed while emergency services respond, and a scene examination is conducted. More >>
IWPG New Zealand Calls for Women's Peace at Waitangi Day
Saturday, 8 February 2025, 2:12 pm | IWPG
Through this Waitangi Day event, IWPG emphasized the need for a women-led peace movement to New Zealand citizens and encouraged more people to join the journey of peace. More >>
Serious Crash, Great South Road, Manurewa - Counties Manukau
Saturday, 8 February 2025, 2:03 pm | New Zealand Police
The Serious Crash Unit will be carrying out a scene examination and traffic management is in place. More >>
Southland Councils Explore Regional Deals
Friday, 7 February 2025, 9:28 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Southern councils have joined forces on a proposal which could result in an injection of support from the government. More >>
Regional Deal Could Potentially 'Double Northland's Economic Production'
Friday, 7 February 2025, 9:26 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Development opportunities to boost Te Tai Tokerau's economy are being put forward to the government. More >>
Coast Council Appointment 'Undemocratic', Says Reefton Candidate
Friday, 7 February 2025, 9:23 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter
The council this week appointed surveyor Chris Coll to fill the seat left vacant by the sudden death of Buller councillor Frank Dooley. More >>