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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
From Eel Weirs To Global Design Status: Explore This City's Innovative History
Monday, 19 October 2026, 7:52 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
The 10-day festival, running until October 25, features more than 50 events celebrating Whanganui’s recognition as New Zealand’s first UNESCO City of Design. More >>
Businessman Gifts House To Cyclone-Hit Family: ‘You Can Have It, Mate’
Monday, 19 October 2026, 7:49 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
For years, Hanaray had the rental property right beside his Hastings CBD hunting and fishing shop Rivers to Ranges in Nelson St North, Hastings. More >>
West Coast Plan Triggers 'Financial Snowball' For Ratepayers - Councillor
Monday, 19 October 2026, 6:57 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
The costs of Te Tai o Poutini Plan (TTPP) - which replaces the Buller, Grey, and Westland district plans - sparked heated debate. More >>
‘I Did This For Myself And For Other Women’: Wellington Councillor Reveals Ovarian Cancer In Remission
Monday, 19 October 2026, 6:45 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The diagnosis was just five months after Compton got elected to the Takapū/Northern General War – which “really annoyed” her because it got in the way of things she wanted to achieve for her constituents. More >>
Ruapehu Mayor Says Poll On Trust Highlights Council Importance
Monday, 19 October 2026, 6:39 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Research commissioned by Local Government New Zealand found 54% of respondents trusted their local council to make decisions for their community, compared with a quarter who trust central government. More >>
Waikato Tourism Returning To Pre-Covid Boom Days
Monday, 19 October 2026, 6:32 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
One tourist hotspot, the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, is ahead of the curve with international visitation reaching pre-COVID levels two years ago, the attraction's general tourism manager, Shayne Forrest, said. More >>
Emotions Run High At Hearing For Proposed Fairlie Bottle Store
Monday, 19 October 2026, 6:23 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
Medical Officer of Health delegate Greg Newton suggested the application was “likely intended solely to generate revenue for the applicants, as part of a growth of their existing businesses”. More >>
‘Bone-Shaking And Vomit-Inducing’: Rough Ride Ahead For Wairarapa Commuters
Monday, 19 October 2026, 3:49 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The Wairarapa Line would be closed from December 26 while essential rail upgrades were carried out by KiwiRail. More >>
Māori Urged To Help Power Aotearoa's Energy Shift
Monday, 19 October 2026, 3:46 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
The second annual Aotearoa Energy Summit brought iwi and hapū as well as energy companies to New Plymouth this week. More >>
What Does ‘Place’ Mean? Marlborough Councillors Wrestle With Wording Of Council Vision
Monday, 19 October 2026, 3:43 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
Several councillors expressed concerns about the statement striking a balance between protecting the environment and promoting land use and economic development. More >>
‘Political Punching Bag’: Hipkins Says Councils Made 'Scapegoats'
Monday, 19 October 2026, 3:39 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
The Labour leader says councils are paying the price for Government decisions. More >>
Tairāwhiti Education Programme To Deliver 10 Catchment Restoration Projects
Monday, 19 October 2026, 3:35 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Over the next year, He Awa Ora, He Tai Ora Trust will deliver 10 projects developed alongside catchment groups, iwi, hapū and schools. More >>
Rolleston Town Centre To Expand
Monday, 19 October 2026, 3:32 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Rolleston's next stage of the development will see new commercial buildings constructed in Rolleston Fields, providing a mix of retail and much-needed office space in the centre of township. More >>
Council Pinged After Wastewater Spills Onto Bluff Foreshore
Monday, 19 October 2026, 3:28 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Southland has revealed it hit the city council with the warning in September — more than four months after non-compliance was first flagged on the pipe. More >>
Implications Of RMA Reform On West Coast's Combined District Plan Revealed
Monday, 19 October 2026, 3:17 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
The Te Tai o Poutini Plan (TTPP) – now stuck in the formal mediation process – may not roll over the new legislation replacing the Resource Management Act (RMA), according to a report being tabled at a TTPP committee meeting today. More >>
Reform Challenges Dominate Ashburton Mayor’s First Year, Big Decisions Ahead
Friday, 16 October 2026, 5:54 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Roads and pipes are a big focus, and it's likely that we'll be talking to the community about what trade-offs we could make in other areas. More >>
Pareora Domain Lighting Upgrade Hinges On $50K More Funding
Friday, 16 October 2026, 5:48 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Mayor Toby Adams said the current lights were “hugely expensive to run” and have “been there a long time”, adding new LEDs were far cheaper long-term. More >>
North Canterbury Switches To Single Tsunami Zone For Easier Evacuation
Friday, 16 October 2026, 5:45 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Tsunami evacuation zones in North Canterbury have been changed to a single blue tsunami evacuation zone, but the message remains the same - if you are near the coast and feel a strong earthquake, don't wait for an official warning, get out of there! More >>
Canterbury Solar Farm Approved At Reduced Scale
Friday, 16 October 2026, 5:41 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
A proposed solar farm in North Canterbury has been granted consents, but at a reduced scale and with conditions. More >>
Whangamatā Pool, Surf Life Saving Club Thrown $220K Lifeline
Friday, 16 October 2026, 5:38 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Up to $135,000 was offered to the pool to cover operational expenses until June 30 2027, with the remaining $85,000 handed to the Surf Life Saving Club for infrastructure investment. More >>
