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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Plenty Of Play For Masterton Kids As New Park Opens In Fast-Growing Suburb
Monday, 6 July 2026, 5:48 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The playground, set on what used to be a wetland, cost less than $300,000 and was part of Masterton District Council’s long-term parks and open spaces strategy. More >>
Wellington Transport Officers Finally Get App To Check Contactless Fares
Monday, 6 July 2026, 5:44 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Wellington’s move to contactless payments was a stopgap before a nationwide system – Motu Move – takes over next year. More >>
Hurunui Makes Bridges A Priority
Monday, 6 July 2026, 5:42 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Hurunui District Council is working on next year's annual plan as it looks to get on with some much needed bridge maintenance. More >>
Financial Incentives And A Four-day Turnaround: Palmerston North’s Approach To Amalgamation
Monday, 6 July 2026, 5:39 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillor and Green candidate Brent Barrett said Palmerston North residents were often just as fearful of reforms and threats to local decision-making as those in smaller townships. More >>
Aucklanders Urged To Share Ideas On Their Neighbourhoods
Monday, 6 July 2026, 5:01 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Consultation is open on draft Local Board Plans that will help shape local priorities and spending over the next three years. More >>
From Dumping Ground To Destination: Praise For Manukau's Green Heart
Monday, 6 July 2026, 4:58 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
As part of the wider restoration of the Puhinui Awa, the project transformed a former stormwater pond into a wetland that filters stormwater before it reaches the Puhinui Stream. More >>
'You’re Either At The Table Or On The Menu': Wayne Brown Backs Single Northland Council
Monday, 6 July 2026, 4:44 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Northland’s local government inter-council reform leadership group is expected to choose its preferred amalgamation structure by the end of the month. More >>
New Bus Law Will End Give Way Confusion On Hamilton Streets, Operator Says
Monday, 6 July 2026, 4:39 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Motorists who fail to give way face a $50 infringement fine, increasing to $250 if the matter proceeds to court, according to a Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport spokesperson. More >>
Sewage To 'sauvignon': Inside A $60m Wastewater Plant Upgrade
Monday, 6 July 2026, 4:18 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Treated water will soon have far fewer nasties as a new filtration system kicks in. More >>
Support For Kaikōura's Young Drivers
Monday, 6 July 2026, 4:13 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Funding has been secured to support Kaikōura youth to gain their driver’s licences for the next three years. More >>
Horizons Keeps Final Say On Iwi Agreements, Backs $10k Funding
Monday, 6 July 2026, 3:27 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
In a marathon sitting over two days, councillors overturned a staff recommendation to delegate authority to staff, instead voting to keep final say on the legally-binding Mana Whakahono ā Rohe (MWāR) agreements. More >>
City Motorists Showered In Parking Fines And Tow Fees
Monday, 6 July 2026, 7:30 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Data acquired from the council by Local Democracy Reporting showed 18,000 parking infringements were written in 2023, equating to a total cost of $730,970 in fines. More >>
'Good With His Emojis': Council Leaders Butt Heads Over Amalgamation
Monday, 6 July 2026, 7:24 am | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Chair Jeremy McPhail said he was not afraid about releasing the numbers because they belonged to the community. More >>
‘Duties As Normal’: National’s Te Tai Hauāuru Candidate Keeps Council Seat During Election Bid
Monday, 6 July 2026, 7:20 am | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
In 2023, the National Party announced that Harete Hipango would stand for the electorate, marking the party’s first candidacy in a Māori electorate since 2002. More >>
Northland Leader Calls For Nationwide Digital Backbone For RMA Planning Reform
Monday, 6 July 2026, 7:12 am | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
The committee will oversee implementation of Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms in Northland and then guide the development of a regional spatial plan. More >>
Tasman’s $15 Million IT Spend Questioned
Monday, 6 July 2026, 7:06 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Some councillors aren’t convinced the bill is worth the benefits, but staff say the council is well-positioned for the future. More >>
Calls For ‘Second Chance’ For Escapee Pig Destined To Be Dinner
Monday, 6 July 2026, 7:03 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
AJP said original reporting on the rural auction was “insensitive” and had reduced the pig’s experiences to “entertainment” rather than a tragedy. More >>
Auckland Central Residents Raise Flooding, Infrastructure Concerns About Plan Change 120
Monday, 6 July 2026, 6:57 am | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Auckland Council recently endorsed two scenarios for potential changes to PC120, which sets a minimum requirement of 1.4 million homes through legislation passed this year. More >>
Canterbury Divided: The Final Scramble To Find Partners
Monday, 6 July 2026, 6:51 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Canterbury's 10 councils are yet to reach a region-wide consensus on potential mergers as the Government's August 9 deadline draws closer. More >>
Hastings Councillors Apologise After Complaint Over Social Media Comments
Monday, 6 July 2026, 6:48 am | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Proehl was criticised by the two councillors after she questioned Mayor Wendy Schollum’s response to the December terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Australia on Instagram. More >>
