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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Taranaki Health Leader's Multi-Generation Housing Vision
Thursday, 1 October 2026, 1:01 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
“Whether their house is warm & dry, whether they have adequate income, employment, whether the whānau at home are safe in happy, positive relationships, whether there's good kai on the table,” says Tui Ora pou tū kūrae (CE) Alana Ruakere. More >>
Auckland Council Ditches Postal Voting In Future Local Elections After Fraud Concerns
Thursday, 1 October 2026, 11:48 am | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
During discussions, cost was one of the biggest concerns raised by councillors. According to staff, postal voting would cost ratepayers $16 million while booth voting would cost $39m for a 10 or 20-day election, or both methods for $48.1m. More >>
NZ Vietnam Veterans March In Taupō To Remember Their Fallen
Thursday, 1 October 2026, 11:09 am | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
Victor Timu, a veteran who helped to organise the reunion, told Local Democracy Reporting that the event was attended by about 200 people, of whom 50 were Vietnam veterans. More >>
Run-Down Invercargill Council Building Still Awaiting Repairs
Thursday, 1 October 2026, 11:06 am | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Te Hīnaki Civic Building on Invercargill's Esk St underwent a mass exodus of 167 staff last year due to the state of the building, with just 80 remaining. More >>
'Success Story' Expo Returns For Horowhenua’s Older Residents
Thursday, 1 October 2026, 11:03 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
The free expo was a “Horowhenua success story”, according to the council's group manager for community vision and delivery David McCorkindale. More >>
Council To Probe Forever Chemicals In Lake Rotorua
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:46 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is putting $30,000 towards the investigation. More >>
Waikato Waters Set To Go Live In Matamata-Piako
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:42 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Waikato Waters took operational control in South Waikato, Waipā and Waitomo District Councils on July 1, with plans to roll out to Hauraki and Ōtorohanga next year. More >>
‘Prepare Now’: Marlborough Braces For ‘Elevated’ El Niño Fire Season
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:36 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
El Niño typically brought to New Zealand a windy and changeable spring, dry spells in the north and east, heavy rain and storms in the west and south, and bigger swings between warm and cold. More >>
No Annual Fee For Al Fresco In Masterton CBD
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:32 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
A new policy was recently adopted by councillors which governed the commercial use of public spaces outside shops through the likes of outdoor dining, sale of goods, and other activities. More >>
A Brighter Chapter Begins For Cannons Creek Library
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:29 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Local school children and residents packed out the opening on Monday which was celebrated with storytelling, face painting and sausage sizzles. More >>
E.coli Risk: Masterton’s Fluoride-Free Water Fountain Removed
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:26 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The council removed its Manuka St fountain on Friday as a result of a boil water notice in place on the Ōpaki Water Supply, the source for the tap. More >>
'History Making': More User-Pays Loos For The Mackenzie
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:23 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
The Mackenzie District Council is rolling out a user-pays system at five public facilities under a district-wide toilet strategy. More >>
Gisborne Considers More Beach Burn-Offs To Tackle Woody Debris
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:20 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Gisborne District Council started a burn-off trial this month to remove the build-up of large piles of woody debris on the beachfront. More >>
'Break The Chains': Lakes Trust Seeks $2m Lifeline From Regional Council
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 12:55 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
The trust chairman says the money would support a reset after its restructuring. More >>
Assault, Racial Abuse Claims Emerge After Tokoroa School Rugby Team’s Ban
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 12:50 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
St Peter’s head of school Jason Speedy said staff members at the game “never heard this sort of language” from either players or supporters, adding there would be “immediate and serious consequences” if it was found. More >>
ECan Backs Kaikōura Flood Recovery, Calls For Government Support
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 12:42 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Canterbury is facing a large funding shortfall has looks to support Kaikōura's flood recovery, while waiting for for the Government to step up. More >>
Panmure’s Landmark Sign Returns But Not To Its ‘Spiritual Location’
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 12:38 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
“I’m happy the sign is going up but I’m not happy that the sign is going up at another place,” said Resident Kerry Brady. More >>
Two More Central Picton Car Parks Make Way For Outdoor Dining
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 12:27 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
Marlborough Sounds ward councillor Barbara Faulls said she did not oppose the proposal but the council’s current method of giving car parks to hospitality businesses was “ad hoc” and needed rethinking. More >>
'Everywhere Stinks': Residents Question Council's Response To Smelly Compost Site
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 12:14 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Neighbours said the smell from a composting site in Gisborne was "soul-destroying". More >>
Get Your Skates On: Nuit Blanche Returns To Napier
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 12:06 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Council-owned Bay Skate manager Kyle Hamilton said “if you can walk you can skate” so “come and have a go”. More >>
