Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Local Democracy Reporting
Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.
Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
From Grave To Grove: Natural Burial Sites Proposed For Tairāwhiti
Monday, 10 August 2026, 7:19 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
The Natural Burials Tairāwhiti Advocacy group has proposed Ormond and Pātūtahi cemeteries for natural burial use where plants, flat stones or GPS co-ordinates mark grave sites. More >>
Nelson’s New Arts Hub ‘A Place Of Possibility’
Monday, 10 August 2026, 7:15 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Named Tāwera, the hub formally opened on Friday morning, coming in under its $1.25 million budget. More >>
‘How Can Anyone Stop Me’: Meet The 89-Year-Old Man Who Helped Transform His Town
Monday, 10 August 2026, 7:12 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
Over the past 40 years, Hocken has helped transform Twizel from a small settlement to a popular holiday destination. More >>
Chaos In The Chamber: Rotorua Council Rejects Both Reform Options
Monday, 10 August 2026, 7:02 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Western Bay vote puts Rotorua merger plan at risk, says mayor. More >>
Amalgamation Ultimatum: Councils Clash Over Their Future
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:57 pm | Marika Hill - Local Democracy Reporting
While some council deals proved straightforward, other councils struggled to reach a consensus as Sunday's 9 August deadline approached. More >>
Lingering Route Concerns Poised To Delay Nelson Cycleway
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:51 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
The East-West Cycleway could be delayed or staged as Nelson's elected members remain concerned about the route and want to keep exploring options. More >>
Trust Tairāwhiti Reports Higher Revenue But $30m Borrowing Rise
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:47 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
August 07, 2026 Trust Tairāwhiti recorded strong operating performance in the 2026 financial year with higher revenue and assets, but increased borrowing and lower community distributions. The recently released Trust Tairāwhiti Annual Report includes ... More >>
Māori Councillors Make Rescue Call For Mana Whakahono Deals
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:43 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
The Government is replacing the RMA and initially said existing Mana Whakahono would survive under its new laws. More >>
Data Centre Plans Raise Concerns In Mackenzie
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:38 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
Proposed solar farms in the district had also fuelled speculation that Mackenzie was being positioned for a data centre. More >>
Kaipara Attacks Northland Councils And Government Over Amalgamation Push
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:31 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaipara proposal advocates three Northland unitary authorities, each combining district and regional council functions, based on nine KDC criteria. More >>
'Glaring Disparity' In Total Mobility Trips For West Coast
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:24 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
West Coast Regional Transport Committee chairman Ashley Cassin, of Hokitika, noted the "glaring disparity" between Total Mobility use between Buller, Grey and Westland. More >>
Westport Flood Protection Project Faces Cost Blowout
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:05 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
The revised budget will be presented to National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited, the Government agency responsible for funding public infrastructure projects, by August 31. More >>
Auckland Charitable Trust Fights To Keep Manurewa Hub
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:00 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Pride Project chief executive Luella Linaker sent a letter to the ministers pleading the community-led support initiative’s case on April 28. More >>
Hurunui Backs North Canterbury Council, Despite Debt Concerns
Monday, 10 August 2026, 5:56 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Hurunui District Council will submit a joint Head Start proposal with Waimakariri to form a new North Canterbury unitary council. More >>
Industry Leaders Say Builders Not To Blame For High Inspection Failure Rates
Monday, 10 August 2026, 5:51 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
Council building control officer Mark Mitchell told councillors the failures stemmed from a number of factors, including some complex builds. More >>
Western Bay Rejects Tauranga Merger: Why Resistance May Prove Futile
Monday, 10 August 2026, 5:45 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Tauranga councillors first voted in favour of pursuing the creation of a new joint unitary authority covering the Tauranga and Western Bay areas, as part of a wider Bay of Plenty application. More >>
Tekapo Residents Asked To Dob In Accommodation Rule-Breakers
Monday, 10 August 2026, 5:41 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
With just 315 permanent households, short-term accommodation is increasingly dominating Tekapo's residential areas, causing problems for the local population. More >>
Five Candidates Step Forward For Porirua’s Onepoto ByElection
Monday, 10 August 2026, 5:36 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Te Huia also ran for the Onepoto ward – which covers the city centre and suburbs like Cannons Creek, Kenepuru, Tītahi Bay and Waitangirua – in 2022. More >>
Southland Mayor Takes Shots At NZTA Over Funding Shortfall
Monday, 10 August 2026, 4:11 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Mayor Rob Scott said NZTA’s current funding assistance rate of 55 percent did not reflect the network’s realities; highlighting pavement rehabilitation, ageing drainage, bridge renewals and climate-related challenges. More >>
Boss Of Wairarapa's New Water Entity Appointed
Monday, 10 August 2026, 4:06 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Masterton, Carterton, South Wairarapa, and Tararua councils have agreed on a statement of expectations for the entity, lease terms for a headquarters in Masterton are being considered, and an inaugural chief executive has been appointed. More >>
