Nelson Region

Public transport usage across Nelson and Tasman has increased by more than 40 percent since the new electric bus service began a week ago.

Almost 6000 cubic metres of wood waste needs to be excavated and disposed of from a part of Tāhunanui Beach after recent tests showed it contains elevated concentrations of heavy metals.

A fleet of bright blue electric buses have hit the road in Nelson and Tasman - the launch of a new service designed to improve residents' access to public transport.

A National party candidate says the growing National Gang List is evidence of Labour's 'soft-on-crime approach', but police say it's not that straightforward.

A development in Nelson will see eight new affordable rental homes built in Nelson South.

Library and council workers across the top of the South Island are rallying to raise their concerns about low wages, poor working conditions and high turnover.

Close to 50 new Kāinga Ora homes are planned in Nelson South - to help meet an urgent need for housing in the city.

A land swap between Nelson City Council and Foodstuffs will enable a larger New World supermarket to built in the suburb of Stoke.

Nelson City Council originally planned to provide a 0 percent increase but organisations that support its communities of greatest need will now get 7.2 percent.

Nelson and Tasman will soon have a new public transport service - with more destinations, more regular buses and lower fares - serviced by a fleet of 17 electric buses.

A $20 million operation is underway to enhance the marine maintenance facilities at Port Nelson.

Nelson Airport's chief executive hopes the changes will ensure a sustainable future for aviation in the region.

Earthquake strengthening work on Nelson's main library could cost almost a million dollars more than planned after structural damage was found in its roof.

Parts of it will close while the area is excavated and the contaminants - arsenic, chromium and copper - are cleaned up as they could pose a risk to the marine environment.

The rally is calling for a more accessible city with equally viable travel options for all.

Coordinator Tessa Bell said they are seeing an all-time high demand for financial mentoring and support.

Awanui says the "pragmatic and sensible outcome" is to not proceed with its proposal at this time.

Heavy rain is forecast for parts of Nelson and Tasman from Friday into the weekend.

A body has been found by search teams in the Richmond Range, police say.