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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Waihī Mine Campsite Gets Council Tick To Continue Operating
Thursday, 12 November 2026, 5:38 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The licence was up for renewal after the Court of Appeal ruled the mine's original licence was unlawful in April, finding fencing off a council-owned paper road blocked the public's right to pass. More >>
Funding Boost For Whale Trail's Kaikōura Section
Thursday, 12 November 2026, 5:23 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Investment of $12.75m will allow both ends of the Picton to Kaikōura Whale Trail to be completed. More >>
Opposition To North Canterbury Solar Farm Consent Taken To Environment Court
Thursday, 12 November 2026, 4:13 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Waipara Valley Community Collective Inc has appealed a decision to grant a consent for a solar farm in Waipara, North Canterbury, to the Environment Court. More >>
Remembrance Day: ‘Occasions Like This Remind Us Just How Special Peace Is’
Thursday, 12 November 2026, 11:27 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
This year’s memorial ceremony saw people of all ages and backgrounds gathered for a flypast of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Black Falcons at 11am, followed by a memorial service to recognise those who fought for Aotearoa but didn’t return home. More >>
Geologists ‘Poles Apart’ On Risks New Quarry Poses To Neighbours
Thursday, 12 November 2026, 11:20 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
Two of the four neighbours deemed affected expressed their fears about the quarry to commissioner Craig Welsh at a consent hearing on Tuesday. More >>
Rush To Find Operator For Closed Seaside Campground
Thursday, 12 November 2026, 10:04 am | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Last month, the council revealed the Curio Bay campground was at risk of staying closed for the upcoming season after the South Catlins Charitable Trust pulled away from an expiring lease. More >>
Fale Malae Trust Blindsided By Proposed $5m Funding Cut
Thursday, 12 November 2026, 9:32 am | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Chairperson Adrian Orr, a former governor of the Reserve Bank, said the Fale Malae Trust members were blindsided by news of the potential cut. More >>
Auckland's Targeted Rate Helps Re-Open 109 Forest Tracks
Thursday, 12 November 2026, 9:28 am | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Introduced in 2018, the Natural Environment Targeted Rate (NETR) saw Aucklanders fork out $44 a year to protect trees from kauri dieback disease and prevent its spread. More >>
Stolen Copper Costs Taxpayers $330k As Thieves Target Wellington Rail Cables
Thursday, 12 November 2026, 9:24 am | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Figures from KiwiRail showed cable theft from rail yards and laid cabling cost it $150,000 in 2025 and $187,000 this year. More >>
Taruheru River Pathway: Gisborne Consultation Opens On First-Stage Plans
Thursday, 12 November 2026, 9:01 am | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
A business case prepared by the council and Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust (Tairāwhiti Trails) estimated the project could deliver $13.50 in health and transport benefits for every $1 invested. More >>
Big Dividends Push Waikato Regional Council To Near $20m Surplus
Thursday, 12 November 2026, 8:57 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
According to council’s annual report, the $18 million received in investment fund returns was “the main reason” for the surplus, as only $8.5 million was budgeted in the annual plan. More >>
Five-Day Turnaround: Carterton Council Cracks On With Building Consents
Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 5:42 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Across Carterton, Masterton, and South Wairarapa councils, 305 new residential building consents were issued in the year ending June 30, 2026, up from 250 the previous year, according to Stats NZ data. More >>
Mackenzie’s Council Faces Shake-Up Before Christmas
Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 5:38 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
The council did not disclose the details of the proposed changes, including which roles or teams could be affected, saying further information would be provided in early December. More >>
Sculpture On 10-Year Loan To Kaikōura To Combat 'Negative Attitude' Towards Fur Seals
Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 5:36 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Kaikōura artist Ben Foster hopes displaying his 'Kekeno' sculpture will raise awareness of seals. More >>
Waimakariri Mayor Backs Citizens’ Advice Amid Pressure To Cut Costs
Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 5:32 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon says his council is committed to supporting the local CAB despite funding pressures. More >>
Whakatāne Council To Keep Fire Depot, Historic Cottage
Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 5:29 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
The council engaged with Ngāti Hokopu and Ngāi Taiwhakaea hapū about the possible sales, separate to public consultation. More >>
‘Intense Feelings’ Over Invercargill’s Smokefree Policy
Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 11:09 am | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
A scheduled review of the policy was recently undertaken, resulting in mixed results from formal submissions and a large social media contingent expressing opposition. More >>
From Quakes To Cyber Risks: Marlborough's School Safety Programme Marks 20 Years
Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 11:05 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
The scenarios were designed to help children practice safety around fire, water, railways, earthquakes, unexpected emergencies, dogs, the internet, and even sugary drinks. More >>
Fresh Bid To Create New Auckland Regional Park
Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 5:47 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
CHRPA chairperson Pam Templeton said amalgamating the three parks into one would mean better protection and management of the heritage and ecology of the headland. More >>
Hastings Theme Park Needs $34.7m Over 15 Years To Replace Ageing Facilities
Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 5:43 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Hastings Splash Planet is facing a major turning point, with an estimated $34.7 million needed in the next 15 years to maintain the theme park's facilities. But as Hastings District Council asks the community for feedback on the park’s future, ... More >>
