Southland's nitrate data goes online amid concerns
Southland residents have gained better access to nitrate level data following claims of a public health crisis from an environmental organisation.
Local Democracy Reporting
Firearms, smashed glass: What employees faced at southern council
Firearms, smashed glass: What employees faced at southern council
Verbal abuse, a windscreen shattered by a mystery object, and the discovery of a firearm while sampling river water are just some of the ordeals Southland council employees have faced.
Mayor told to 'put his big pants on' for merger
Christchurch mayor told to 'put his big pants on' for merger talks
An Ashburton district councillor says Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger should "put his big pants on and say we want to go to a super city" in Canterbury.
Fast-track bid sparks fears for Lake Pukaki
Bid to take more water from lake could be fast-tracked
Meridian Energy’s bid to draw more water from Lake Pukaki has sparked concerns about the damage it could do to the Mackenzie district's tourism industry and environment.
Fast-track bid sparks fears for Lake Pukaki
'Huge implications': Fast-track bid sparks fears for Lake Pukaki
Meridian Energy’s fast-track proposal to draw more water from Lake Pukaki has sparked concerns it could hurt Mackenzie's tourism industry and threaten its pristine image.
Council eyes hybrid additions for fleet
Council eyes hybrid additions for fleet
A Southland council is gearing up to buy new hybrid utes despite one of the vehicles breaking down in the "middle of nowhere" during testing.
Suspect reeled in after salmon statue vandalised
Suspect reeled in after salmon statue vandalised
A 35-year-old man has been charged after the famous salmon statue next to State Highway 1 in Rakaia was defaced during an environmental protest.
Charges laid after salmon statue vandalised
Charges laid after salmon statue vandalised
A 35-year-old man has been charged after the famous salmon statue next to State Highway 1 in Canterbury was defaced during an environmental protest.
West Coast's $65m investment in flood defences
West Coast's $65m investment in flood defences
The West Coast Regional Council has a record $65 million worth of flood protection projects on its books. Among the most critical is a $25.8m project for the flood-prone town of Westport.
Toll suggestion 'not helpful' - mayor
Toll suggestion 'not helpful' - mayor
Selwyn’s mayor says squabbling over tolling neighbouring districts is an unnecessary distraction from Canterbury’s amalgamation discussions.
Roundabout first, as Ashburton bridge work begins
Roundabout first, as Ashburton bridge work begins
The $144 million construction of Ashburton's second bridge is set to kick off with a six-month project to install a roundabout at the awkward intersection leading onto the high-traffic bridge.
Whitebaiters banned from camping at beach
Whitebaiters banned from camping at Canterbury beach
Whitebaiters will be banned from camping at a beach near Kaiapoi after threatening behaviour was reported to police last year.
ECan cuts back average rates rise to 2.4%
ECan cuts back average rates rise to 2.4%
Environment Canterbury hopes to "ease the burden" on ratepayers by reducing its average rates rise to 2.4%.
Ashburton a 'piggy in the middle' of local government reforms - councillor
Ashburton a 'piggy in the middle' of local government reforms - councillor
District councillor Russell Ellis has given a grave interpretation of Ashburton’s position in the local government reforms: "We are screwed".
9.57% rates rise forecast in Ashburton
9.57% rates rise forecast in Ashburton
Rising fuel costs are expected to hit Ashburton ratepayers, pushing the signalled rates rise out from 8.71% to 9.57%.
High petrol costs could fuel rates rise
High petrol costs could fuel rates rise in Waimakariri
Rising fuel prices are starting to bite as the Waimakariri District Council finalises its annual plan.
Hanmer Springs dumps flyride plan after cost blowout
Hanmer Springs dumps flyride plan after cost blowout
A proposed Hanmer Springs flyride has been scrapped by the Hurunui District Council after its estimated cost more than doubled.
Bluff tavern retains liquor licence despite damning inspection
Bluff tavern retains liquor licence despite damning inspection
A Bluff tavern has been given the green light to continue selling alcohol despite strong pushback from multiple agencies.
Hanmer Springs dumps flyride plan after cost blowout
Hanmer Springs dumps flyride plan after cost blowout
A proposed Hanmer Springs flyride has been scrapped by the Hurunui District Council after its estimated cost more than doubled.
Works starts on $144m Ashburton River bridge
Works starts on $144m Ashburton River bridge
The construction of Ashburton’s $144m second bridge officially starts on Friday and is expected to be completed by the end of next year.