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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Southern Taranaki Councils Propose Wedding Without New Plymouth
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:32 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
Early in May the Government ordered councils to amalgamate, aiming for simpler and cheaper local government. More >>
Consultation Fatigue? South Auckland Leaders Urge Community To Speak Up
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:28 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
The plans will guide local priorities and investment on parks, community facilities, youth programmes, environmental projects and neighbourhood improvements over the next three years. More >>
Falcon Sanctuary Prepares For Bird Flu With Shoe Baths And Visitor Restrictions
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:23 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
To reduce the chance of bringing bird flu into the Fairhall falcon sanctuary, Turner said last week they started using disinfectant "shoe dips" during entry and exit. More >>
Wairarapa Council Claws Back Consent Costs From Greytown Solar Farm
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:19 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
South Wairarapa District Council had sought costs against Far North Solar Farm for expenses it incurred in a lengthy Environment Court process. More >>
Wairarapa Flooding Weighs Heavily On Regional Council Candidates
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:12 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
By listening, planning strategically, and investing wisely, we can build a more resilient river management system that better safeguards the Wairarapa for future generations. More >>
Roading Budget In Manawatū Bolstered By $3M To Tackle Storm Damage
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:08 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
The district council had announced its annual budget in June and a lower-than-expected rates increase, but these roading expenses were not included as NZTA had yet to confirm the emergency works claim from February. More >>
‘Another Employer Lost’: Marton Malt Mill Set To Shut
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:04 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
Rangitīkei mayor Andy Watson says the looming closure of Marton Maltings would leave families across the wider region without the long-term, stable employment the industry had once offered. More >>
Finding The 'Sweet Spot' For Nelson's New Cycleway
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:01 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Everyone is supportive of the East-West Cycleway, but some stakeholders have concerns over the potential route and layout. More >>
Bishop Doubles Down Against PC1 Adoption, Waikato Farming Figures Want Certainty
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 3:01 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Minister Chris Bishop says he would like an amendment to be investigated, but remained tight-lipped over what it would look like. More >>
Three Potential Designs For Gisborne’s Blackpool Reserve Upgrade Unveiled
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 2:26 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
The three designs, made in partnership with Tūranga Health, E Tū Elgin and Whiti Ora, now have a wider opportunity to be shaped by the community, said council director of liveable communities Michèle Frey. More >>
Fewer Auckland Bottle Shops Being Robbed: Report
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 1:59 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillor and chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee Josephine Bartley said data from the report was extremely encouraging. More >>
Crunch Time On Whether To Save Or Scrap Ōhope Beach Walking Track
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 12:59 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
The track between West End and Ōtarawairere, part of Ngā Tapuwae o Toi, has been closed by Whakatāne District Council, pending a decision on whether to reinstate it. More >>
Mayor Tanczos Questions 'destructive' Scrapping Of Council-Iwi Agreements
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 12:22 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
"Why on earth would the Government want to throw those on the scrapheap? I don't understand what they think they're gaining from it," asks Whakatāne Mayor Nandor Tanczos. More >>
Rotorua Councillors Admit Pensioner Housing Failures
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 10:31 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Community housing provider Emerge Aotearoa took over management of Rotorua Lakes Council’s 152-unit pensioner housing portfolio in March, following a lengthy review of the way the service was operated. More >>
Dog Owners Push Back As Bay Councils Hike Registration Costs Again
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 10:26 am | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Western Bay of Plenty District Council dog registration fees for the 2026/27 year are $154 for a non-neutered dog. More >>
The Disability Housing Lifeline For Kiwis - Paid For Offshore
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 10:19 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The new co-living housing development pilot with a blend of independence and care has recently broken ground in Paeroa. More >>
Disappointment And Shock As Govt Strikes Out Iwi-Council Deals
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 10:15 am | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
The Government’s draft laws to replace the RMA had said Mana Whakahono would transfer into the new resource management system. More >>
'Dispirited And Demoralised': Scrapping Iwi-Council Agreements ‘Another Blow’ For Māori
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 10:10 am | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Te Tōtarahoe o Paerangi chair Tomairangi Mareikura said the move undermined years of collaborative work between iwi and local councils and was a significant setback for Treaty relationships. More >>
Facial Recognition Cameras Urged For Whangārei City Centre
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 10:04 am | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Whangārei city centre already has an extensive public CCTV network, with more than 200 cameras monitoring public spaces including the central business district and Town Basin. More >>
Bottle Shop Blamed By Police For Ōtara's Public Drinking Denied Liquor Licence
Wednesday, 22 July 2026, 5:35 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Delbet said the DLC regarded the removal a children’s playground near the bottle shop was compelling objective evidence that amenity and good order of the locality was affected. More >>
