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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Whakatāne Wellness Networking Group Proves Its Worth
Monday, 12 October 2026, 12:59 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Working collaboratively was a challenge for trusts relying on Government funding that could chop and change from one group to another. More >>
Gisborne Council Capital Spending Nears $100m, With $55.6m For Cyclone Recovery
Monday, 12 October 2026, 12:37 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Gisborne council chief financial officer Pauline Foreman said results could vary significantly because of councils’ geographic, historic and community contexts, particularly given Tairāwhiti’s Cyclone Gabrielle recovery. More >>
Featherston Water Race Bylaw Lapse Leaks Through Policy Cracks
Monday, 12 October 2026, 12:30 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
South Wairarapa District Council met on Thursday to adopt the proposed bylaw’s consultation document and statement of proposal, with consultation to run for four weeks from October 12. More >>
What's The Future Of Future Of Work?
Friday, 9 October 2026, 6:57 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
The Marlborough District Council remained Future of Work’s principal sponsor after councillors voted on Thursday to commit $24,000 for next year’s event. More >>
Stalled Coastal Pathway Back On The Table For Porirua
Friday, 9 October 2026, 6:51 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors deadlocked 5-5 on an amendment by councillor Moira Lawler to include the $4m in the budget, but meeting chairperson Josh Trlin’s casting vote approved the move. More >>
Tairāwhiti Education Programme To Deliver 10 Catchment Restoration Projects
Friday, 9 October 2026, 6:47 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Project manager Amy Hardy said the programme would build on the trust’s work through the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust programme – Wai Connection. More >>
Iwi Withdraws From Stopbank Hearing For Flood-prone Tairāwhiti Town
Friday, 9 October 2026, 6:20 am | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
The flood defences of Te Karaka, northwest of Gisborne, were overwhelmed during Cyclone Gabrielle and hundreds of people were evacuated. More >>
Lincoln Faces Another 18 Months Of Roadworks
Friday, 9 October 2026, 6:14 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Construction is scheduled to start in late October 2026 and take 18 months. The $19m first stage took Fulton Hogan 11 months. More >>
New Councillor Has Big Vision For Featherston
Friday, 9 October 2026, 5:55 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
As a councillor, his goal was to lead the development of a clear strategy and plan to “make Featherston Paetūmōkai a town we can all be proud of. More >>
Councillor Calls For Temporary Closure Over Safety Concerns
Friday, 9 October 2026, 5:48 am | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
The council has warned heavy visitor traffic expected at Labour Weekend could create safety issues. More >>
Businessman Trespassed From Second Southland Council
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 7:10 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Embattled slink skin operator Da Cheng ‘Eddie’ Zhi has been trespassed by a second Southland council following "offensive" behaviour. More >>
Only Four Canterbury Councils Commit To New Water Groups
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 7:07 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Canterbury senior strategy manager Cam Smith said four councils have confirmed they wish to establish local leadership groups to date - Ashburton, Selwyn, Waimakariri and Hurunui. More >>
Growing Calls For Councils To Shift To In-Person Voting
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 7:04 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Hurunui Mayor Marie Black and Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon are open to a Local Government New Zealand proposal to switch to in-person voting. More >>
Waimakariri Mayor Welcomes National's $800M Woodend Bypass Pledge
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 7:00 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon says he will continue to push for the Woodend Bypass to be built, regardless of which parties form the next Government. More >>
Homelessness In North Canterbury In Council's Sights
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 6:52 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Waimakariri District Council is working with community organisations and government agencies to address homelessness. More >>
Driver Licence Shake-Up Unfair On Rural Teens, Youth Council Warns
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 6:48 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Hurunui Youth Council has raised concerns about proposed changes to the driver licensing system in a submission to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. More >>
‘Mindless’ Vandalism, Illegal Dumping Costs Waikato Ratepayers Hundreds Of Thousands Per Year
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 4:15 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Illegal rubbish dumping is a problem plaguing the Waikato district. More >>
Wellington Commuters Still Being Hit By Snapper Fault
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 12:44 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Snapper continues to work on a permanent fix to the readers. Another contactless-related fault happened in late September, affecting Snapper readers on most rail stations, but a software patch fixed it by the following Monday. More >>
Vulnerable 114-Year-Old Bridge Into Martinborough Closing For Debris Removal
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 12:35 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
"It is concerning that we are seeing another two-day closure of Waihenga Bridge during working hours, particularly as this is the second planned closure in the space of two months,“ said Deputy Mayor Rob Taylor. More >>
Rangiora's Failing Water Pipes Set For 'Once In A Generation' Overhaul
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 12:30 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Waimakariri District Council will replace water pipes and upgrade the watermain in Rangiora's High Street, following burst pipes in March last year and January this year. More >>
