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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Nuit Blanche: Napier’s Artists And 8000-Strong Crowd Defy The Weather For Street Festival
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:50 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Napier City Council tourism and events lead Kevin Murphy said it was "fantastic" to see about 8000 people come out in the rain to support the annual event. More >>
Support For Amberley's SH1 Speed Limit Drop
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:46 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Motorists are being asked to take their foot off the gas as they approach Amberley from the south. More >>
Major Planning Shake-Up Set To Transform Council Consenting
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:44 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The new Natural Environment and Planning Acts have passed into law, but what does this mean for councils? More >>
1080 Poison Drop Planned For West Coast National Park
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:39 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
The operation covers nearly 29,000ha of the national park, including the northern part of the Heaphy Track where it traverses the Tasman Sea coastline. More >>
West Coast Communities Ditch Flood Works Insurance
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:19 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
Rating districts are local ratepayer collectives responsible for funding river protection works which mainly protect West Coast farming areas. More >>
Solar Farm Developer Denies Claim It’s ‘Gaming The System’
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:15 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
Far North Solar Farm Ltd (FNSF), owned and directed by Richard Homewood, applied last October to develop a solar farm along the northern shore of Lake Benmore in the Mackenzie District, according to its fast-track application. More >>
Waikato Waters $2M Over Budget As Storm-Damaged Plant Eyes November Reopening
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:09 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The new council-controlled organisation's annual report outlined a $18.6 million spend for the period ending June 30 with a budget of only $16.5 million. More >>
Police Gear Up For Rugby League World Cup Gatherings In Auckland
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:04 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Nemme, police emergency management coordinator, said past gatherings have resulted in mass disorder, intoxication and other offending. More >>
Kaikōura Council Adopts Ethics Code For Business Dealings
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:02 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaikōura District Council's new procurement policy offers a guide to making 'ethical' purchasing decisions. More >>
‘Anything New Is Good’: Picton Businesses Back Central Blenheim Revamp
Monday, 5 October 2026, 5:59 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
October 02, 2025 Nearly a year on from their own streetscape revamp, Picton’s London Quay businesses are encouraging those on Blenheim’s Market St to trust the process. After four months of construction last year, London Quay reopened ... More >>
The Highs And Lows Of Marlborough’s Main Aquifer Laid Bare
Monday, 5 October 2026, 5:56 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
The Wairau River and rainfall filled the bucket, while water leaked out through springs such as Spring Creek, Murphy’s Creek, Taylor River, and Grovetown Lagoon. More >>
Ōpaki Water Scheme Ordered To Chlorinate After E. Coli Scare
Monday, 5 October 2026, 5:52 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Water Services Authority Taumata Arowai has directed the Ōpaki Water Supply Association in Masterton to chlorinate its drinking water supply by October 8. More >>
Gisborne Council Votes To Close Titirangi Maunga Roads To Vehicles Overnight
Monday, 5 October 2026, 5:49 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Local hapū Ngāti Oneone put forward the proposal in June because of concerns about vandalism, antisocial behaviour and illegal dumping at the site. More >>
Gisborne Council Backs 10-Year City Centre Revitalisation Framework
Monday, 5 October 2026, 5:44 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Deputy Mayor Aubrey Ria and councillors Anne Huriwai, Rawinia Parata, Rhonda Tibble and Nick Tupara were absent because of hui and other commitments. More >>
Departing Wairoa Board Director Reveals Reasons For Flurry Of Resignations
Monday, 5 October 2026, 5:35 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
In a statement to Local Democracy, Munro said there had been suggestions that the directors’ decision to resign was due to the purchase of Zeffer. More >>
'Two Sides To Tim': Book Explores Shadbolt's Final Years
Monday, 5 October 2026, 3:42 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
The book was penned by former Hamilton mayor Margaret Evans who described Shadbolt as an “outstanding New Zealander”. More >>
Rotorua Buildings No Longer Considered An Earthquake Risk
Monday, 5 October 2026, 3:32 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Government reforms could save the property owners about $107m. More >>
Greg O'Connor Elected Unopposed As New Wellington Councillor
Monday, 5 October 2026, 3:26 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The former assistant speaker, who bowed out from Parliament with his Ōhariu electorate in the northern Wellington suburbs dissolved by boundary changes, will replace Tony Randle, who died in August. More >>
Disabled Gisborne Resident Says Community ‘Victimised’ By Low Total Mobility Scheme Cap
Monday, 5 October 2026, 3:18 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Nathan Beach uses the Total Mobility Scheme, which subsidises door-to-door transport for people unable to drive or safely use public transport because of a permanent or temporary impairment. More >>
Kawerau Hits Pause On Joint Water Services Amid Council Merger Uncertainty
Monday, 5 October 2026, 3:13 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Mayor Faylene Tunui said before going out to the people of Kawerau seeking their opinion, she wanted to have a clearer idea of who would be partnering in such an entity. More >>
