Alcohol harm ‘underappreciated’
A public health expert has painted a sobering picture of the impacts of alcohol on society, saying consumption needs to reduce drastically.
Local Democracy Reporting
Call for backup water supply
Call for backup water supply
Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell has called for a backup water supply to be prioritised as his city continues to make do with a single source.
Lagoon improvements welcomed
Lagoon improvements welcomed
Improvements to the health of Southland’s "resilient" Waituna Lagoon have been tentatively welcomed by the Department of Conservation’s top science adviser.
Alcohol harm underestimated: medical officer
Alcohol harm underestimated: medical officer
A public health expert has painted a sobering picture of the impacts of alcohol on society, saying consumption needs to reduce drastically.
Funding for swimming programme may be cut
Funding for swimming programme may be cut
The future of the Ashburton Swim Team is uncertain after being thrown in the deep end by the district council.
Rakaia’s big salmon restored
Rakaia’s big salmon restored, miniature version bruised
The famous Rakaia Salmon statue is due to be reinstated next week, but its miniature version needs repairs after being damaged.
Fears for future of rural hospitals
Mayors fear for future of Canterbury rural hospitals
Two Canterbury mayors are still waiting for answers on the future of two rural hospitals which are in desperate need of maintenance.
Winton CCTV saga ends after two years
Winton CCTV saga ends after two years
A small Southland town has been granted extra funding for CCTV cameras, two years after an overhaul was initially dropped.
Multi-million dollar sports hub plan for Rangiora
Multi-million dollar sports hub plan for Rangiora
Residents' views are being sought on a proposed multi-million dollar sports complex to replace the ageing Southbrook Pavilion in Rangiora.
Woodend Bypass making progress - NZTA
Woodend Bypass making progress - NZTA
Work on the Woodend Bypass will become more visible this year, and NZTA will soon start acquiring the property needed for the project.
Green MP to retire from politics
Green MP to retire from politics
Former Christchurch city councillor Mike Davidson will take over Green Party list MP Celia Wade-Brown's local government portfolio.
Homeowners warned about new granny flat rules
Homeowners warned about new granny flat rules
The relaxing of granny flat rules could lead to more illegal structures due to homeowners not understanding the criteria, a Canterbury council manager says.
Green MP Celia Wade-Brown leaving politics
Green MP Celia Wade-Brown leaving politics
One of the Wellington region’s longest-serving politicians and best-known environmentalists is leaving politics later this year.
4% rates cap achievable - council
4% rates cap achievable but natural disasters, unexpected costs could have an impact
A North Canterbury council says it is in ‘‘a strong position’’ to meet a future 4% rates cap, but rising inflation or unexpected costs from flooding, high winds, and natural disasters could have an impact.
Boaties commended for high level of preparedness
Boaties commended for high level of preparedness
Southern boat users have been commended for their sound preparation and knowledge of the rules in recent months.
Tong not behind ‘Tick Tong’ stickers
Tong not behind ‘Tick Tong’ stickers
Failed Southland mayoral candidate Gary Tong says he was not behind the "Tick Tong" sticker campaign which plastered the region during the local election.
Roof ripped off campervan at country's most-hit underpass
Roof ripped off campervan at country's most-hit underpass
The country's most-struck rail bridge has claimed yet another victim, this time slicing the roof off a campervan driving beneath the low-clearance viaduct in Canterbury.
Campervan has roof torn off by notorious underpass
Campervan has roof torn off by notorious underpass
The country's most-struck rail bridge has claimed yet another victim, this time slicing the roof off a campervan driving beneath the low-clearance viaduct in Canterbury.
Mayors declare campaign expenses
Mayors' campaign spending revealed
Ever wondered how much it costs to run for the job of mayor in North Canterbury?
Mayors declare campaign expenses
From $0 to $35,000: Mayors declare campaign expenses
Ever wondered how much it costs to run for the job of mayor in North Canterbury?