Urban Planning Stories

Kiwi Stories

Urban Planning stories

Ohakune water outage raises questions internal review can't answer, councillor says

Residents of the Ruapehu town were left without taps for nearly three days after a pipeline break went undetected, prompting calls for outside scrutiny.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Yesterday

Sustainability

Carterton's ground too wet, stream too low for wastewater discharge

Flood-hit pumping gear and a dry stream are forcing Carterton District Council to rely on costly winter sampling and land irrigation.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • 2 days ago

Hutt City Council

Upper Hutt looks at funding study for 'transformational' rail stop

A proposed Timberlea station could spur housing and retail growth in Upper Hutt if councillors agree to fund a feasibility study.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • 2 days ago

Department of Internal Affairs

Ōpōtiki waterfront jetty takes shape but faces $100,000 cost blowout

Extra rock removal is likely to push Ōpōtiki's new jetty extension over budget by about NZD $100,000 before decking starts.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 2 min read • 2 days ago

Risk & Compliance

Kaikōura flood impact matched forecasts for proposed subdivision

Flood damage in Kaikōura has bolstered council scrutiny of a proposed Ocean Ridge expansion after modelling was shown to match the July deluge.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • 2 days ago

Local Government

Infrastructure Minister rules out pause on Fast-track housing developments in Canterbury

Canterbury councils say fast-track housing could strain local infrastructure, after the minister rejected their call for a pause and review.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • 3 days ago

Auckland Council

Transport Minister Chris Bishop defends commissioning another Auckland harbour crossing report

More than NZD $106 million has already been spent on the project, as ministers insist a detailed business case is needed before work can start.

By RNZ • 6 min read • 4 days ago

Risk & Compliance

Council manager's honest admission: We don't know where all our pipes are

Unrecorded sections of Southland's water network are complicating planning, as councillors were told the council still has pipes it cannot locate.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 2 min read • 5 days ago

Local Government

Nelson mayor reassures 'open mind' on civic centre options

Residents fear the council has already settled on a site for Nelson's $73 million civic centre, but Mayor Nick Smith says all options remain open.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 5 min read • Last week

Data Analytics

Improved water meter data helps Masterton plug leaks

Water losses in Masterton have been cut to 15% as better meter data helps the council spot hidden leaks and prompt repairs.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Last week

Construction

Cambridge expressway resurfacing nears 75% complete

Motorists should brace for up to 20-minute delays as the next stage closes the Cambridge West northbound on-ramp and shifts traffic.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Last week

Local Government

Canterbury town may finally get a bus service

Amberley commuters may soon have a $5 bus to Christchurch, ending the Hurunui district's long public transport drought.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Last week

Local Government

Emotional scenes as Tararua council votes to expand for population growth

The district's residential and industrial land shortage could bite within 25 years, prompting public consultation on rezoning in its main centres.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Last week

Auckland Council

Empty police station should become inner-city high school, advocate says

Auckland families could be spared motorway crossings if the vacant Vincent Street site is turned into a city-centre school, an advocate says.

By RNZ • 4 min read • Last week

Risk & Compliance

Popular Nelson track to be fixed, but it's not expected to last

Residents welcomed approval for a basic rebuild of Days Track, though council staff warn storms will likely damage it again.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • Last week

Stories from Other Regions

Urban Planning stories

Smart Cities

Latos plans AI-ready data centre for east Manchester

The canal-side brownfield scheme could reuse disused land while adding capacity for AI workloads closer to Manchester users.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 3 min read • Yesterday

JLL

JLL launches new office grade for Shanghai premium towers

Occupiers in Shanghai are increasingly paying up for offices that offer stronger tenant experience and flexibility, as JLL redraws the top-tier market.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • 3 days ago