Podcasts about Auckland Council

Auckland Council has opened up a drop-off site for kids' coloured play sand, over a nationwide recall. Morecroft Asbestos Removal's Jason Catterall spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Similar to how Prime Ministers choose who their cabinet members are, the Mayor last week announced his appointments for committees in Auckland Council. Committees are powerful pieces of the Auckland Council machine, determining the direction on key policy issues around community assets, budgeting, transport and housing.  Notably different to his approach last term, the Mayor has opted to appoint key allies to committee chair roles. These are councilors who have had a good working relationship with the mayor over the last three years and will mean that there are less roadblocks when it comes to advancing his agenda.  At the same time the Mayor and Central Government are responding to increased complaints about anti-social behaviour in the CBD by considering laws and bylaws that would ban homelessness.  Critics of this policy note that such laws would not address the key drivers to poverty and housing need and would simply endanger those individuals experiencing homelessness further.  Thursday Wire Producer Sanat talked to Councilor Shane Henderson today about these committee appointments and this proposed ban on homelessness.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about the expulsions of two Te Pāti Māori MPs, concerns about police leadership, and Chris Hipkins ‘socialist' label. For International Desk, they spoke to Youth Environmentalist Sumaya Mohammed and Lead on the Youth Climate Justice Project Aoife Daly about youth participation at COP30. For City Counselling, Producer Sanat talked to Councillor Shane Henderson about a proposed ban on Homelessness in the CBD and new committee appointments inside Auckland Council. He also talked to Kiwisaver Provider Simplicity's CEO Sam Stubbs about their new infrastructure proposal called Infrakiwi.

Chartered town planner and urban designer George Weeks joins Elevate to unpack what “good density” actually looks like here in Aotearoa, and why the 5-minute pint test might be the simplest measure of liveability we've ever heard. George shares why density only works when you make the daily stuff easy: milk, a beer, a café, a park, within a short stroll from your front door. We dig into what NZ's getting right already (Point Chev, Christchurch terraces, Hobsonville), and what still needs work, like acoustic standards still stuck in the 1950s.You'll hear why the City Rail Link won't just shorten trips, it'll act like a “fountain of pedestrians” that shifts demand, value and development patterns around key stations. George breaks down why good streets are tree-lined, human-scaled and well-lit, and how developers can build projects that feel more like neighbourhoods and less like dense sprawl. If you're a builder or developer thinking about townhouses, walk-ups or mixed-use in any NZ city, this episode gives you a clear and practical playbook for density done right.Where else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg

During an interview with the ‘Morning Report', Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed that orders for the homeless in Auckland's CBD to move on were “definitely a consideration”. He later stated, that “Aucklanders don't feel safe going into the central city”, and both Central government and Auckland Council are considering how they can move homeless people out of the CBD ahead of summer.  This follows previous reports that the Government was considering a rough sleeping ban for central Auckland. This news comes as Stats NZ released their annual unemployment figures this week. The results show that national unemployment has risen to a nine-year high at 5.3%, with the New Zealand youth taking most of the damage. For our weekly catchup with The Green Party, Wednesday Wire Max spoke to MP Ricardo Menendez March, to discuss the new unemployment figures released last week. They also spoke about the Government's new action plan to combat methamphetamine use. But first, they discussed what The Green Party thought about the Government's plan to decrease homelessness in the Auckland CBD

Auckland Council is spending another $300,000 on towering Christmas decorations for the city centre, to the delight of some and dismay of others. Amy Williams reports.

During an interview with the ‘Morning Report', Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed that orders for the homeless in Auckland's CBD to move on were “definitely a consideration”. He later stated, that “Aucklanders don't feel safe going into the central city”, and both Central government and Auckland Council are considering how they can move homeless people out of the CBD ahead of summer.  This follows previous reports that the Government was considering a rough sleeping ban for central Auckland. This news comes as Stats NZ released their annual unemployment figures this week. The results show that national unemployment has risen to a nine-year high at 5.3%, with the New Zealand youth taking most of the damage. For our weekly catchup with The Green Party, Wednesday Wire Max spoke to MP Ricardo Menendez March, to discuss the new unemployment figures released last week. They also spoke about the Government's new action plan to combat methamphetamine use. But first, they discussed what The Green Party thought about the Government's plan to decrease homelessness in the Auckland CBD

Amy has the latest on Auckland's homeless issue, who is leading committees at Auckland Council for the new term, a buyout scheme for at risk flooded homes is coming to an end and a new Christmas art installation for the CBD.

Auckland Council's The Kitchen Project manager Connie Clarkson joins Jesse to chat food. Today her recipe is gado gado with peanut sauce. Gado Gado means "mix mix" in Indonesian Gado-gado is a traditional Indonesian salad made of a medley of cooked or raw vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, fried tofu, all brought together with a rich peanut sauce. The name literally translates to "mix-mix," So versatile: use any combination of vegetables - waxy potatoes, kumara, beans, asparagus, - great for leftovers.

Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick has raised concerns with the Government's proposed solutions for rough sleepers - and says they won't solve the actual problem at hand. While details are scarce, reports show the Government and Auckland Council are working on moving homeless people out of public spaces in the CBD for destructive behaviour. Chlöe Swarbrick says it's time to get to the core root issues and invest in sensible solutions. "Right now, it seems like, really, the only place these people can end up being put is being held overnight in the cells. Again, that doesn't go anywhere near towards resolving the problem." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plan change 120, a new plan that seeks to allow for up to 2 million new dwellings in high density zones across mass rapid corridors throughout the city is currently up for public consultation.  Although hotly contested during the election period, it seems as if the city is on its way to unlocking high density development and a strengthening of its urban landscape against natural hazards.  Thursday Wire Producer Sanat talked to councilor Julie Fairey today about the consultation process, how people can get involved and what they should know about the plan change. Sanat also talked to her about the process of going from being a candidate to actually starting a role in council, what the inauguration looks like and how the Auckland Council building feels as new Councillors settle in for their term.

The debate over Eden Park events has reignited, as the Government has proposed letting it almost triple its annual concerts from 12 to 32. It's also recommending more timing flexibility, with the park currently unable to host events on a Sunday - and it's asking Auckland Council for feedback. Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner says they've engaged with the residents in the area to get their views, and they're hoping for a positive outcome. "There's a variety of events that are impacted by our regulations - last Sunday night, we had to apply to Auckland Council at a cost of $15,000 to get an extension to the operating so we could have the league fixture." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The events calendar at Auckland's Eden Park could soon be a lot busier. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has asked Auckland Council for feedback on a proposal to increase the number of concerts it hosts from 12 to 32 a year. It's recommending the venue should be allowed to host up to 12 large concerts of more than 30 thousand attendees. Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner told Kerre Woodham they've been hamstrung by so many regulations, and this is about simplifying and modernising the rules so the national stadium can be utilised. In the last five years, he says they've invested $45 million into the stadium and redefined their business model, so they need to be able to continue evolving. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plan change 120, a new plan that seeks to allow for up to 2 million new dwellings in high density zones across mass rapid corridors throughout the city is currently up for public consultation.  Although hotly contested during the election period, it seems as if the city is on its way to unlocking high density development and a strengthening of its urban landscape against natural hazards.  Thursday Wire Producer Sanat talked to councilor Julie Fairey today about the consultation process, how people can get involved and what they should know about the plan change. Sanat also talked to her about the process of going from being a candidate to actually starting a role in council, what the inauguration looks like and how the Auckland Council building feels as new Councillors settle in for their term.

The Government wants more concerts at Auckland's Eden Park. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has written to Auckland Council seeking feedback on allowing up to 20 medium-sized concerts a year, on top of the 12 concerts it currently hosts. An economic report warns current restrictions could cost the city $432 million in lost income over the next decade. Bishop told Mike Hosking these changes will be good for Auckland. He says the zoning and rules are holding the city back, even if there's demand for more concerts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From today, the public can offically submit feedback on Auckland Council's housing intensification plan. Auckland Councillor, Shane Henderson, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Thousands of households across the country are currently in rates arrears, struggling to pay their rates for the 2024/2025 financial year.  Auckland Council's head of rates, valuations and data management, Rhonwen Heath, said 6.6 percent of rates, or 42,902 households were outstanding at the start of the 2025/2026 year. As cost of living pressures continue to grow on households, with rising food, electricity and rents, Thursday Wire Producer Sanat wanted to chat to Auckland Councilor Shane Henderson about how Auckland Council plays a role in making life more affordable for everyday Aucklanders. They also had a discussion about the role of fireworks in our community, with major festivals like Diwali prompting some communities to express concern about the disruption that fireworks are causing to their families, animals and the natural environment.

Thousands of households across the country are currently in rates arrears, struggling to pay their rates for the 2024/2025 financial year.  Auckland Council's head of rates, valuations and data management, Rhonwen Heath, said 6.6 percent of rates, or 42,902 households were outstanding at the start of the 2025/2026 year. As cost of living pressures continue to grow on households, with rising food, electricity and rents, Thursday Wire Producer Sanat wanted to chat to Auckland Councilor Shane Henderson about how Auckland Council plays a role in making life more affordable for everyday Aucklanders. They also had a discussion about the role of fireworks in our community, with major festivals like Diwali prompting some communities to express concern about the disruption that fireworks are causing to their families, animals and the natural environment.

An expert in water-sensitive design urges us to think harder about what lies beneath our feet Lost in Auckland's push for development has been the need to preserve the sort of sub-soil that absorbs water and encourages trees to growGuests: Sue Ira - director of Koru Environmental and Auckland University PhD candidateLearn more:Read Sue's article on Newsroom.That article came from a piece of research spearheaded by Auckland Council's Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience departments, funded by the Ministry for the Environment. That study is not yet publicly available. But another new report shows why this issue is so importantFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

There is a renewed call for a ban on pop up pools following the drowning of another toddler in a temporary backyard pool. It is at least the second drowning of an under two year old in a temporary pool in just over a year. Water Safety New Zealand wants the sale and use of above-ground cheap temporary pools banned altogether, because people are unware of the rules or don't fence them. Auckland Council licensing and environmental health manager Mervyn Chetty spoke to Lisa Owen.

By 2048 more than half of seniors will be renting - advocates say there's not appropriate housing and councils need to step up. 

Auckland Council is frustrated nearly 30,000 dogs are still unregistered. The Council's manager for animal management Elly Waitoa spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland Council's seeking feedback on plans to test a new scheme over six months, starting in February next year, but only in select suburbs. In those areas household rubbish bins will move to fortnightly collections, instead of once a week. Daniel Newman is the current councillor for Manurewa-Papakura, he voted against the trial and talks to Lisa Owen.

In today's episode, more than 11,500 allied health workers have voted to strike for 24 hours as part of a mega strike later this month; Meridian Energy says the government's long-awaited energy reforms are bold, and provide clarity; The country's drug buying agency, Pharmac, has a new leader; Auckland Council is considering halving rubbish collections - cutting the service from weekly to fortnightly.

Auckland Council is considering halving rubbish collections - cutting the service from weekly to fortnightly. Auckland Council general manager of waste solutions Justine Haves spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Auckland Council's using this weekend's daylight saving switch to remind people to be prepared for an emergency. General Manager of Auckland Emergency Management Adam Maggs spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Auckland Council has voted in favour of a new housing intensification plan that clears the way for high-rise buildings of up to 15 storeys around public transport hubs. Auckland councillor Richard Hills spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The head of a heritage group is disappointed Auckland Council has voted in favour of a housing intensification plan. Character Coalition chairperson Sally Hughes spoke to Alexa Cook.

In today's episode, Auckland Council has voted in favour of a new housing intensification plan that clears the way for high-rise buildings of up to 15 storeys around public transport hubs; a new governor of the Reserve Bank has been appointed - with Dr Anna Breman set to become the first woman to hold the role; New data from the Ministry of Social Development shows almost 50 percent of people have chosen to forgo produce to save money - double the number that did in 2018; The cruise ship season is officially underway, but with fewer ships scheduled to come to New Zealand ports this year; Bird memes are taking over the internet, as the Bird of the Year competition heats up.

Auckland Council is moving to allocate up to two million new homes in the coming decades. The council's Policy and Planning Committee voted 18-5 to pass the plan, which will see more housing near transport hubs and less in natural hazard zones. Councillor Maurice Williamson has compared it as a choice between a firing squad and lethal injection. He told Mike Hosking he's a fan of intensifying along rail corridors and busways, but it doesn't make sense to go into suburban streets and force the building of “ghastly pieces of junk” when they aren't needed. Williamson says there needed to be more consultation and negotiation around what the upper figure of builds would be. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Verity Johnson and Ed McKnight. First up, a new Reserve Bank governor has been appointed and Dr Anna Breman will be the first women in the role in New Zealand. How significant is this and how important is the appointment for women in economics? Then, Auckland Council is voting on whether to keep going with what's known at Plan Change 78 which allows for three story houses to be put up anywhere, or a revised plan which incorporates 10-15 storey buildings. Simon Wilson brings us the latest from a very contentious debate.

A new housing density plan is going ahead following a heated Auckland Council debate. The plan which allows more housing near transport hubs and fewer in natural hazard zones, has passed with 18 in support and 5 opposed. It will remove 27 percent of Special Character Areas. Councillor Shane Henderson says the plan now goes out for public consultation. "It's time for people to feedback in and say - look, we might have gotten this or that area wrong, or make some adjustments to people's neighbourhoods and things like that. It's really important that we allow people to have their say." Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the decision. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 24 September 2025, first we got Ikea and now we get a Swedish Reserve Bank Governor! Finance Minister Nicola Willis tells Ryan Bridge why Dr. Anna Breman got the top job. US president Donald Trump's visit at the UN was as fiery as expected, including getting stuck on an escalator! US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley was there for it all. Auckland Council has officially voted in favour of 15-storey apartment blocks along major arterial routes in central Auckland. NIMBYs can still protest during the consultation protest though! Should Kiwis pay to park at our national parks? Federated Mountain Clubs are not happy with it. Plus, the Huddle debates the damning result from today's Mood of the Boardroom. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like 'tent city' is how part of the Auckland CBD is being described as the city grapples with a homelessness crisis. Auckland Council says homelessness has gone up 90 percent in the city since September last year, prompting calls for more support for those sleeping rough. The council's Community Committee says government policy changes are making it harder for people to access emergency housing. Checkpoint spoke to people living on the street in Auckland's city centre who say the winter months have been gruelling. Bella Craig reports.

The Golf Warehouse is pitching a $20 million redevelopment of the Takapuna Golf Course on Auckland's Northshore. Auckland Council plans to turn half of the 18-hole golf course into a floodwater catchment to mitigate the city's increasing flood risks. But the Golf Warehouse plan would see the park transformed into a series of recreation zones. Founder and Chairman of Golf Warehouse NZ Eric Faesen-Kloet spoke to Lisa Owen.

Frustration over claims police overruled the Transport Agency by allowing tomorrow's pro-Palestine march to take place on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Tens of thousands of protestors are expected to cross the bridge in the morning, disrupting travel. Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the agency told him they said no to the protest, but Police intervened. He says Police told them the bridge had to close, to maintain civil obedience. Williamson says protestors should have chosen to march elsewhere. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council's tourism head says the city is going to be hit hard by a 40 per cent drop off in cruise ships coming this season. 

Auckland's transport agency will be stripped of most of its authority with the government today announcing a major shakeup to how the city's transport network is managed. Under the new legislation, expected to pass into law next year, Auckland Council and local boards will take on almost all responsibility for the city's roads. AT will focus on public transport while Auckland's mayor, Wayne Brown, and the 20 councillors will make decisions about major roads and the city centre. The city's 21 local boards, meanwhile, will oversee speed limits, parking, event closures and cycleways on smaller roads. Jessica Hopkins reports.

Better, faster, cheaper's the aim of the newly announced refresh to Auckland's transport governance. The government's introducing legislation to strip Auckland Transport of many of its powers - handing responsibility for major roads to Auckland Council, and local roads to community boards. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown told Heather du Plessis-Allan the council should be able to make decisions, as going through Auckland Transport is frustrating. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a stoush brewing over the future of Auckland's plan for housing intensification. Auckland Council is meeting later this month to decide on its new draft plan for the city which could reshape the city and create up to two million homes. Chris Bishop has said he wants to see the Resource Management Amendment Bill changed so buildings up to 15 storeys high can be built around City Rail Link stations. But ACT leader David Seymour has said parts of the plan are not necessary, and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Auckland dog walkers say new council rules are confusing, costly, and hard to enforce. Professional Dog Walkers Association's Cassie Jefferies spoke to Corin Dann.

Nearly every boarding house in Auckland inspected by the council in the past year didn't meet minimum safety requirements. Auckland Council compliance manager Adrian Wilson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Auckland council's animal control staff are busier than ever, impounding more than 10,000 dogs over the past year. Felix Walton reports.

Roaming dogs are running rife in Auckland and the council says communities are being put at risk. Auckland Council Animal Management Manager Elly Waitoa spoke to Corin Dann.

Rosetta and Milly catch up with Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson for a kōrero about Auckland Council's plan for building 2 million new homes and increasing building density, and the Council's claim that it has delivered ratepayers with $600 million in financial benefits over the last three years. Whakarongo mai nei!

Residents living near a proposed landfill site on the outskirts of South Auckland say the roads aren't equipped for the 192 truck movents it will bring a day, and they are convinced it will lead to someone losing their life. Scarbro Environment has applied for resource consent to dump clean fill waste from construction in an area almost one-and-half times the size of Wellington's Sky Stadium. Auckland Council's considering 500 submissions on the proposal - and locals are gearing up for a potential legal battle if it gets the green light. One of the neighbours of the proposed fill site, Jo Taylor spoke to Lisa Owen.

Connie Clarkson is the manager of Auckland Council's The Kitchen Project and earlier this year was named as one of Aotearoa's Top 50 Women in Food and Drink. Connie pointed out to us that the world caters for couples; twin share tour packages, supermarkets bundle product and loaves of bread. Things that often seem to cut singles out. But single households are on the increase, and reportedly single portion "ready to eat" meals are one of the highest growth items on the shelf. Connie joins Emile Donovan to show that a whole chicken is not just for couples or families. Recipes are here and here

Auckland Council has given the green light to a draft plan for housing density around key transport routes and town centres - and it's now being sent out for feedback. Urban Design Forum architect Graeme Scott spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland Council is seeking feedback on a draft plan to build more homes near town centres and public transport, while keeping new buildings safer in flood-prone areas. Housing Minister Chris Bishop spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

In today's episode, Auckland Council is seeking feedback on a draft plan to build more homes near town centres and public transport, while keeping new buildings safer in flood-prone areas; Carter Holt Harvey is planning to shut down the Eves Valley sawmill near Nelson, with 142 jobs on the line; The government will spend $2.7 billion on a fleet of war-ready helicopters and long-distance Airbuses, to replace an ageing fleet; We have our weekly sports panel; We get the latest from Australia with Kerry-Anne Walsh.