Podcasts about Auckland Council

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. 

Local government is how communities democratically decide what happens in their backyards. The park on the corner, what day our bins go out, your neighbours making too much noise, how much you pay in rates, whether your dog can enjoy the beach off lead. Every day we encounter a council decision whether we know it or not. So, why is voter turnout always so low? There are 78 local authorities in New Zealand: 11 regional councils, 12 city councils, 54 district councils, and Auckland Council (which combined eight former councils in the big Super City amalgamation of 2010). That means there are a lot of roles up for grabs. To dive into what you need to know about this years local elections, today on The Front Page, we have Newstalk ZB news director and local government reporter Michael Sergel. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Auckland Council's Policy and Planning committee met yesterday to vote on a new plan that would zone the city for two million homes, primarily around train stations and rapid bus routes.  This plan is a response to legislation put forward by housing minister Chris Bishop which requires councils across the country to zone for higher density housing. This plan has not been without controversy, with councillors claiming that Aucklanders are being “put to the firing squad”  Deputy PM David Seymour has publicly disagreed with his own housing minister, arguing that suburbs like Epsom and Parnell don't have the right infrastructure to accommodate for this growth.  Advocates for the plan, including mayor Wayne Brown argue that the council cannot continue to drag its feet on the need for housing that is closer to the city, and is more affordable. They argue that it's better to build in places with pipes, public transport routes and job opportunities.  The plan passed with a majority last evening, so Producer Sanat talked to Councilor Julie Fairey about the plan change and what it means for the future of the city.

Last week at St Matthew's in the city, the community alliance Te Ohu Whakawhaungna organised a housing and wages Mayoral Forum attended by nearly 300 people. This forum was centered on asking leading mayoral candidates about their plans to deliver public and affordable housing in the city, tackle homelessness and deliver a living wage for all those employed by Auckland Council. Producer Sanat spoke to lead organiser for Te Ohu Marlon Drake about their community organising strategy, the sort of issues that diverse communities across the city care about and how they plan to work with the next mayor of the city to deliver on the needs of communities in Auckland.

It was a big day at Auckland Council yesterday, and I think a good day. The Policy and Planning Committee met for most of yesterday to thrash out the future of Auckland's housing, debating where and how Auckland is going plan for more homes. The council voted 18-5 to discard PC78 and notify PC120 – which basically means the 3 storey townhouses seen increasingly all over Auckland's suburbs are on the way out, and high-rises and greater intensification around key CRL stations and transport corridors are in. This is, of course, highly contentious – and where you lean in the debate may depend on what neighbourhood you live in. Residents of wealthy inner city suburbs like Mt Eden, Parnell, Herne Bay, and Grey Lynn will likely have reservations about more high-rise apartments in their neighbourhoods – citing a loss of character, loss of light, and an increased demand on infrastructure. The new plan retains 73% of the special character areas established under the 2016 Auckland unitary plan, which isn't bad The new plan is also about allowing the council to down-zone in some areas. The 2023 flooding taught us that it's well past time we stopped further housing development in areas we now know are prone to flooding and coastal erosion. This is a no brainer. It's also cheaper to build where good supporting infrastructure already exists than it is to create new housing areas where infrastructure has to be developed from scratch. In particular, given the cost of the CRL, it makes sense to have as many people living near it and benefiting from it as possible. Or as the mayor said, “There's no point in spending $6 billion on something if there's nobody on the damn thing.” Even though the council meeting voted in favour 18-5, it doesn't mean there wasn't plenty of discussion around the council table. Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson asked for conditions around high towers. She suggested tall apartments need to be set back and have communal areas and facilities. Mayor Wayne Brown supported the amendment, saying there needs to be parking and commercial activity on the lower levels, and this was incorporated into the main motion. Carparking is essential, so it's a sensible idea. Councillor Christine Fletcher didn't have quite the same luck with her amendment, which asked for greater consultation and for the plan change to be publicly notified. At present, public consultation will begin on November 3rd and close on December 19th. It's quick. Fletcher's amendment would have dragged consultation out until the middle of next year. To be honest, yesterday I thought the council would take the safe option and extend consultation, but after much debate about what Minister Chris Bishop would think about all this, the amendment was voted down 15-8. While debate was generally a bit dry, the day did come with some interesting rhetoric. Councillor Maurice Williamson thought both options were unacceptable, saying, "It's a choice between a firing squad and a lethal injection,". Rather surprisingly he voted for the plan – I'm not sure which option he considered this to be. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council's new density plan won't see fewer houses zoned, but will change where they're allowed. 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. Former Auckland Mayor Phil Goff shares his thoughts with Francesca Rudkin. 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.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Council's Maurice Williamson and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! We've got councillors laughing at rate rises in Grey District - how outrageous is this? Or was it out of context? The Government has made moves to loosen liquor laws. They're not cutting the hours, but they're making it easier for bars to operate. Is this the right move - or opening us up to more harm? AT recently defended its $63 million dollar spend on road cones, claiming it takes two years to implement the new safety guidelines. Do we believe this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

A pitbull launched itself from a moving vehicle and stormed into an Auckland jewellery store, injuring an employee during the incident. Auckland Council confirmed the owner was given an infringement notice and education on dog control after the attack. Stacey Penn says the punishment for the owner 'wasn't fair' and further consequences are needed. "The fact that she's already been warned previously and still chose to drive around with her dog in her car - she'd been told to muzzle it and didn't muzzle it. So it's not the first time it's happened." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Tuesday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) Boldly Going Where... Blah, Blah, Blah/The Court Isn't the Boss of Us/Auckland Council Is So Cooked/Our Energy Is RankSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A long time Auckland environmentalist won the battle to protect a bunch of berms he has planted in an urban style jungle over decades. But plants on another grass verge will be removed by Auckland council after complaints from some residents in a nearby apartments. Freeman's Bay resident Mark van Kaathoven has been working on the berm gardens outside his home and neighbouring properties for more than three decades. Auckland Council has now given most of the berms protected status under its restorative gardening initiative, meaning they can't be removed. Mark van Kaathoven spoke to Lisa Owen.

For their bi-weekly catch up with Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, Milly and Rosetta chat with Desley about Auckland Council's removal of flood-damaged homes and the upcoming local elections. Whakarongo mai nei!

The Maritime Union says the Auckland's new Tripartite Accord is a starting point to improve communication between the Council, the port, and its workers. Maritime Union Secretary Grant Williams spoke to Corin Dann.

Landslides are among this country's costliest natural hazards. Auckland Council has completed a detailed region wide study to map landslide susceptibility, the first since 1997. Kathryn is joined by Ross Roberts, the chief engineer at Auckland Council.

An Auckland council committee's calling on the government to do more to combat homelessness. A government report released last week found homelessness has increased but it's unclear by how much. The Community Committee's voted this afternoon to write to the government asking it to engage with frontline agencies to understand and respond to the drivers for all homeless people. Auckland Councillor and chair of the council's community committee Angela Dalton spoke to Lisa Owen.

People working with Auckland's homeless are warning that there is a disproportionately high rate of women without shelter in New Zealand, concentrated in Auckland. Tomorrow, Auckland Council's Community Committee will discuss the region's homelessness crisis and a report showing the number of homeless people rose to 809 in May this year, a 90% increase since last September. Amy Williams reports.

A spike in the number of bikes and cars illegally ripping up parks is being reported across the country. Tauranga, Rotorua and Auckland councils are among those who have said thousands of ratepayer dollars is having to be used to fix sports field and public reserves. The fine for driving on a reserve without permission depends on individual bylaws but is usually up to $800. Police could also charge for dangerous driving, which could be up to $4,500. Auckland Council's General Manager of Parks and Community Facilities Taryn Crewe spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.    

The team trying to tame Auckland's problem with roaming dogs is calling for an overhaul of national dog control laws. Auckland Council suggests tools like fencing requirements for dog owners and greater powers to detain dogs. In the last year there have been nearly 17,000 reports of roaming dogs in Auckland. There have been reports of 1,500 attacks on other dogs and 1,300 attacks on people - although that could be much higher according to ACC claim data. Auckland Council's General Manager of Licensing and Compliance Robert Irvine spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.