Council

Drivers behind rates rises across NZ laid bare

Homeowners are facing average rates rises of 15% according to data in draft long-term plans across 48 councils, averaging at about $8 more per week* per... Read More

Three Waters: Big questions over council books

Every three years, councils across the country have to refresh their 10-year financial plans and ask the public for feedback. 2023 is meant to be one of those... Read More

Kāinga Ora: "Works don’t hurt house prices"

There is 'no robust evidence” Kāinga Ora activities impact house prices in surrounding areas, a leader in the state housing agency says. But a Rotorua... Read More

Warning to keep out of harbour construction site

People are being warned to stay away from an active construction site on a Bay of Plenty coastline. While great progress is being made on the Ōpōtiki Harbour... Read More

Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko

Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government's plan for upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko. Transport... Read More

Free bus fares future dubious after funding axed

Free bus fares in Bay of Plenty could be cut back after the government pulled its funding. Buses have been free for anyone aged 18 or under and half price... Read More

Strong dung odour from stopbank works

A cow dung-like smell wafting from earthworks along the Whakatāne stopbank has Riverside Drive residents holding their noses. However, while Bay of Plenty... Read More

Seaside village upset by social housing plan

Plans to build 4905 three-storey townhouses and apartments, including social housing, in Ōmokoroa have sent ripples through the sleepy coastal settlement. The... Read More

Health retreat given greenlight despite opposition

A cancer recovery centre near Whakatāne has been given the green light, despite opposition from neighbouring landowners. After a hearing, Whakatāne District... Read More

Tall buildings on the rise with new housing law

Mt Maunganui residents fear new government housing rules will allow developers to turn it into the Gold Coast, high rise buildings that rob them of sunlight... Read More

New rideshare service debuts in Tauranga

Bay of Plenty Regional Council is launching a new Baybus OnDemand public transport service on Monday, March 25. "Set to run for up to 18 months, the... Read More

Allergic woman trapped in home as wasps swarm

A Rotorua woman says she is forced to shut herself inside her home as "millions" of wasps from a neighbouring property swarm around her house. Lynne Coutts... Read More