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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Rangitīkei Residents Back Head Start Despite Mayor's Criticism
Tuesday, 7 July 2026, 8:45 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
The majority of Rangitīkei respondents, 84%, have called on council to create a pathway proposal by August 9 and join with other councils to make a larger unitary authority. More >>
Marlborough Residents Warned To Stay Off Roads During Region’s First Red Rain Warning
Tuesday, 7 July 2026, 8:40 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
MetService issued the red rain warning for southern Marlborough and north Canterbury, including Ward, the southeast Awatere Valley, and Kaikōura ranges, lasting 35 hours from 4pm on Monday until 3am on Wednesday. More >>
3.97% Rates Rise For Thames-Coromandel As District Moves To ‘User-Pay’ Model
Tuesday, 7 July 2026, 8:35 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Looking down the barrel of a proposed 13.4% rise, council pivoted to increasing fees and services to take the squeeze off ratepayers. More >>
Plenty Of Play For Masterton Kids As New Park Opens In Fast-Growing Suburb
Monday, 6 July 2026, 5:48 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The playground, set on what used to be a wetland, cost less than $300,000 and was part of Masterton District Council’s long-term parks and open spaces strategy. More >>
Wellington Transport Officers Finally Get App To Check Contactless Fares
Monday, 6 July 2026, 5:44 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Wellington’s move to contactless payments was a stopgap before a nationwide system – Motu Move – takes over next year. More >>
Hurunui Makes Bridges A Priority
Monday, 6 July 2026, 5:42 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Hurunui District Council is working on next year's annual plan as it looks to get on with some much needed bridge maintenance. More >>
Financial Incentives And A Four-day Turnaround: Palmerston North’s Approach To Amalgamation
Monday, 6 July 2026, 5:39 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillor and Green candidate Brent Barrett said Palmerston North residents were often just as fearful of reforms and threats to local decision-making as those in smaller townships. More >>
Aucklanders Urged To Share Ideas On Their Neighbourhoods
Monday, 6 July 2026, 5:01 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Consultation is open on draft Local Board Plans that will help shape local priorities and spending over the next three years. More >>
From Dumping Ground To Destination: Praise For Manukau's Green Heart
Monday, 6 July 2026, 4:58 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
As part of the wider restoration of the Puhinui Awa, the project transformed a former stormwater pond into a wetland that filters stormwater before it reaches the Puhinui Stream. More >>
'You’re Either At The Table Or On The Menu': Wayne Brown Backs Single Northland Council
Monday, 6 July 2026, 4:44 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Northland’s local government inter-council reform leadership group is expected to choose its preferred amalgamation structure by the end of the month. More >>
New Bus Law Will End Give Way Confusion On Hamilton Streets, Operator Says
Monday, 6 July 2026, 4:39 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Motorists who fail to give way face a $50 infringement fine, increasing to $250 if the matter proceeds to court, according to a Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport spokesperson. More >>
Sewage To 'sauvignon': Inside A $60m Wastewater Plant Upgrade
Monday, 6 July 2026, 4:18 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Treated water will soon have far fewer nasties as a new filtration system kicks in. More >>
Support For Kaikōura's Young Drivers
Monday, 6 July 2026, 4:13 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Funding has been secured to support Kaikōura youth to gain their driver’s licences for the next three years. More >>
Horizons Keeps Final Say On Iwi Agreements, Backs $10k Funding
Monday, 6 July 2026, 3:27 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
In a marathon sitting over two days, councillors overturned a staff recommendation to delegate authority to staff, instead voting to keep final say on the legally-binding Mana Whakahono ā Rohe (MWāR) agreements. More >>
City Motorists Showered In Parking Fines And Tow Fees
Monday, 6 July 2026, 7:30 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Data acquired from the council by Local Democracy Reporting showed 18,000 parking infringements were written in 2023, equating to a total cost of $730,970 in fines. More >>
'Good With His Emojis': Council Leaders Butt Heads Over Amalgamation
Monday, 6 July 2026, 7:24 am | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Chair Jeremy McPhail said he was not afraid about releasing the numbers because they belonged to the community. More >>
‘Duties As Normal’: National’s Te Tai Hauāuru Candidate Keeps Council Seat During Election Bid
Monday, 6 July 2026, 7:20 am | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
In 2023, the National Party announced that Harete Hipango would stand for the electorate, marking the party’s first candidacy in a Māori electorate since 2002. More >>
Northland Leader Calls For Nationwide Digital Backbone For RMA Planning Reform
Monday, 6 July 2026, 7:12 am | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
The committee will oversee implementation of Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms in Northland and then guide the development of a regional spatial plan. More >>
Tasman’s $15 Million IT Spend Questioned
Monday, 6 July 2026, 7:06 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Some councillors aren’t convinced the bill is worth the benefits, but staff say the council is well-positioned for the future. More >>
Calls For ‘Second Chance’ For Escapee Pig Destined To Be Dinner
Monday, 6 July 2026, 7:03 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
AJP said original reporting on the rural auction was “insensitive” and had reduced the pig’s experiences to “entertainment” rather than a tragedy. More >>
