Auckland Council Stories - Page 2

Kiwi Stories

Auckland Council stories

Auckland backs indie games showcase to boost sector

Independent studios in Auckland are gaining investor access and public exposure as the city works to grow New Zealand's games industry.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Wed, 27th May 2026

Robotics

New Zealand backs low-cost digital tools for factories

New Zealand funds expansion of low-cost factory tech scheme to help 180 manufacturers boost productivity and compete with digital rivals.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Tue, 24th Feb 2026

Data Analytics

Qualified to comment – if it ain’t broke . .

Frustration with central government inertia and costly reforms underpins a 50-year local government career that spans planning, ratings and Auckland amalgamation.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Mon, 2nd Feb 2026

Urban Planning

Qualified to comment - if it ain't broke

Central government delays on planning reform have left councils wrestling with rules Leigh Auton says could have been avoided decades ago.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Mon, 2nd Feb 2026

Agricultural Technology

Microsoft cloud region powers New Zealand's AI growth

Microsoft's NZ North cloud hub is powering Aotearoa's AI push, cutting costs, boosting skills and running on 100 per cent renewable energy.

By Melania Watson • 5 min read • Fri, 19th Dec 2025

Data Analytics

Tim Dacombe-Bird appointed Head of Google Cloud New Zealand

Tim Dacombe-Bird has been named Head of Google Cloud New Zealand, leading local AI and digital transformation efforts from Wellington.

By Melvin Hipolito • 4 min read • Mon, 7th Jul 2025

Gaming

Retro arcade machines reimagined as art in Ponsonby

Retro arcade machines have been transformed into eye-catching art installations at Studio One - Toi Tū, celebrating the nostalgia of 80s and 90s gaming.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Sat, 19th Oct 2024

Urban Planning

Public infrastructure lacking in transparency

A lack of disclosure on New Zealand’s big projects is obscuring costs, designs and accountability, critics say, as billions are spent in secret.

By Staff Writer • 8 min read • Tue, 15th Oct 2024

Surveillance

AI cameras help save Motutapu Island's rare birds

A Norway rat has been eradicated from Motutapu Island in the Hauraki Gulf with the use of DOC's AI camera.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Tue, 8th Oct 2024

Urban Planning

Government declares war on localism

Councils say the Prime Minister's back-to-basics agenda risks stripping local communities of funding, powers and services they rely on.

By Staff Writer • 10 min read • Sun, 25th Aug 2024

Housing

How many consented houses actually get built?

Without demolitions data, councils cannot tell how much new housing is really being added, especially in brownfield areas such as Auckland.

By Michael Curreen • 4 min read • Wed, 3rd Apr 2024

Data Analytics

Can x-minute cities work in New Zealand?

Auckland and Wellington stand to gain from denser neighbourhoods, but planners say the 15-minute city model will not suit every suburb.

By Michael Curreen • 10 min read • Tue, 26th Mar 2024

Urban Planning

The thinking behind congestion charging versus reality

Auckland’s proposed road charge could cut peak-time delays, but only if public transport alternatives are ready from day one.

By Staff Writer • 6 min read • Thu, 21st Mar 2024

Auckland Council

IWD 2024: Diversity and innovation: solutions to tech skills-shortages

Addressing NZ's tech skills shortage, Mission Ready pioneers innovative programmes to develop diversity and foster home-grown talent in the IT sector.

By Diana Sharma • 3 min read • Thu, 7th Mar 2024