Local Government stories
The final call on a proposed Wairarapa District Council now rests with voters, who can trigger a poll to decide its fate.
The proposed merger could give Wairarapa councils more capacity to fund infrastructure, though wider local government reform is still needed.
The funding will bring forward 10,500 homes in north-west Auckland, but Mayor Phil Goff says the city still needs billions more to cope with growth.
Better planning and delivery are still needed as New Zealand’s housing and transport gaps far exceed the government’s NZD $1 billion funding boost.
The free online resource offers architects and designers guidance to make Auckland buildings and public spaces usable by people of all abilities.
Up to 60,000 new homes could be built years earlier after the government backed roads and waterworks in five fast-growing councils.
Councils could gain a clearer picture of housing pressures as a new MBIE dashboard maps demand, supply and affordability data.
New Stats NZ figures show a year-long lag between consent and completion, as housing supply data are tested for the first time.
A national overhaul is being urged to close gaps in oversight after the Havelock North outbreak exposed weak co-operation across the sector.
More homebuyers are seeking healthier, more efficient houses, with Homestar registrations rising tenfold in three years to 6,700.
Housing shortages, leaky homes and soaring land costs are forcing New Zealand to rethink design, building methods and quality.
A traceability scheme could cut hefty repair bills and help curb unsafe or counterfeit materials in New Zealand's building sector.
Rising housing pressure and ageing assets are forcing councils to seek new funding tools as LGNZ urges election contenders to back infrastructure renewal.
Proceeds from the final NZD $130 million sale will be ringfenced for public transport and stormwater works as Auckland grows, the council said.
Seventeen council projects have made the cut for LGNZ's Excellence Awards, highlighting work that is already improving services, the environment and jobs.
Public anger over bottled exports is forcing ministers to confront whether New Zealand should charge commercial users for water.
Limited housing growth in Auckland is being blamed on poor infrastructure funding, with the OECD urging new ways to pay for public works.
Forestry-driven log volumes are set to outgrow current capacity, prompting Eastland Port to seek consent for a twin-berth expansion.
Councils will be expected to use quarterly market data to test whether enough land is available for housing and business growth.
Auckland’s housing shortage could worsen unless councils and ministers act on proposals to speed building, free land and improve consenting.
