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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Without 3G ‘Rural Mobile Coverage Has Gone Backwards’
Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 4:06 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
The mobile network was officially shut down at the end of March after a phased disconnection from the end of 2025, to replace it with newer generation 4G and 5G networks. More >>
King Country Rugby Union Backs Mangakino Sportsground Lighting Upgrade
Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 3:56 pm | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
Taupō district councillor Hope Woodward said she had heard of people using cars to light up the basketball court on Rangatira Drive when playing at night. More >>
Welcome Bay Resident Mows Overgrown State Highway Roundabout Grass
Monday, 26 October 2026, 4:01 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Robert Coe said it had been at least six months since the New Zealand Transport Agency mowed the grass island in the middle of the Hairini St/Welcome Bay Rd roundabout. More >>
Tairāwhiti Forestry Group Gets Wider Land-Use Transition Role
Monday, 26 October 2026, 3:58 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Initial work will prioritise high-risk areas and work with landowners to address barriers such as harvesting risks, consent requirements and establishment costs. More >>
Council Decision On Controversial Northland Beach Vehicle Ban On Hold
Monday, 26 October 2026, 3:39 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors will now undertake a four-wheel-drive inspection of Uretiti south beach in early November before deciding its future vehicle access. More >>
Police Take Strong Stand Against Bottle Shop Linked To Drug Dealing
Monday, 26 October 2026, 3:35 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
According to the hearing documents, Alcohol Licensing Inspector Derek Haddy said the current owners of Thirsty Liquor Manurewa had pleaded guilty to selling opium in the bottle store, and were awaiting sentencing this month. More >>
Lower Hutt Emergency Hub Prepares Locals For Disaster
Monday, 26 October 2026, 3:09 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The Wednesday afternoon open day, hosted by the Hutt City Council and the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO), was at Taita Central School, where the local community emergency hub is located. More >>
Mayor Boasts About NZ’s Original Fizzy Lemon Drink (It’s Not L&P)
Monday, 26 October 2026, 3:06 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Twenty years before the Kiwiana staple came to be, Waikato neighbours Te Aroha created Lemon and Te Aroha (L&T), which hit lips in 1887 using water from the Mount Te Aroha spring. More >>
Workload Pressure Likely To Mount For Invercargill Councillors
Monday, 26 October 2026, 3:02 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
On Tuesday, a paper from mayor Tom Campbell will be tabled at a council meeting proposing all councillors be added to the Risk and Assurance Committee, and one councillor be added to the Water Committee. More >>
Selwyn Mayor: Lizard Surveys Holding Up Big Projects
Monday, 26 October 2026, 2:59 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Mayor Lydia Gliddon made the jest at the finance and performance meeting on Thursday, where it was revealed that lizard surveys, which cost $14,000 each, could hold up three major projects. More >>
Mayor Casts Deciding Vote On Selwyn Speed Limit Changes
Monday, 26 October 2026, 2:50 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
The almost 40 planned changes will go to NZTA for final approval, with $11,000 worth of new signs expected to go up from December. More >>
Whangārei Mayor Warns Society Must Change Course As Environmental Pressures Mount
Monday, 26 October 2026, 2:50 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Couper pointed to excessive fishing, damaging farming practices and the overuse of chemicals that in some places had polluted waterways and land as examples of the pressures facing ecosystems. More >>
Gisborne Flood Resilience Fund: $71.1m Projects Move To Design And Consenting
Monday, 26 October 2026, 2:39 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Gisborne District Council has held six meetings since the second week of October to update the public on investigations and gather feedback on proposed flood resilience measures. More >>
Canterbury Regional Council Slashes Consent Delays
Monday, 26 October 2026, 2:16 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Canterbury is in a strong position after posting its annual report, chairperson Dr Deon Swiggs says. More >>
Mauao Recovery Costs Forecast To Reach $10.5m After $3.5m Funding Approval
Monday, 26 October 2026, 2:09 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Six holidaymakers died when a section of Mauao collapsed into Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, owned by Tauranga City Council, about 9.30am on January 22 after record rain. More >>
Waitaki Candidates Tackle Rural Concerns
Monday, 26 October 2026, 1:32 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
Hosted by Federated Farmers and moderated by former Waitaki District councillor Jim Thomson, the panel began 45 minutes late after organisers waited for Labour candidate Damien O’Connor who failed to appear. More >>
No ‘Ticking Clock’ Keeps Shoppers In Town On Blenheim’s Free Parking Friday
Monday, 26 October 2026, 1:26 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
Free parking would bring people back into town to support local businesses, said one of the Blenheim residents. More >>
‘Doesn’t Make Sense’: Waikato Mayor Slams Rogue Amalgamation Break-Up Bid
Monday, 26 October 2026, 1:19 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Asked if the councillors’ criticisms of the Government delaying the reform were warranted, Local Government Minister Simon Watts said “common issues that need further work before decisions can be made” were identified. More >>
Boaties Face New Biosecurity Gate At Popular Northland Lake
Monday, 26 October 2026, 12:52 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Under the new Lake Taharoa system, boaties are encouraged to complete the self-certification process at least 48 hours before travelling to the lake. More >>
‘We Can’t Help Everyone’: Community Funding Pleas Outpace Council Budget
Monday, 26 October 2026, 12:02 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
On Wednesday, committee chairwoman Lorna Johnson said everybody was experiencing cost of living pressures and although the committee wanted to offer as much support as possible, “we can’t help everyone.” More >>
