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]
Whistle Blown Over Goalpost Move On Contested Land
Wednesday, 24 June 2026, 6:57 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
The land, Mangati E, was taken under the Public Works Act in 1968 for a sewerage works but that use ended when a new wastewater plant was built elsewhere in the mid-80s. More >>
The Bold Plan To Build A St John Station In Twizel
Wednesday, 24 June 2026, 6:53 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
The proposal outlined St John’s emergency response capacity in the district, covering several townships, large sections of highway, and remote rural areas. More >>
Councils Pin Hopes On Government Transport Review
Wednesday, 24 June 2026, 6:48 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Waimakariri and Hurunui district councils have welcomed the Government's acceptance of the Infrastructure Commission's findings in the national infrastructure plan. More >>
Councils Pin Hopes On Government Transport Review
Wednesday, 24 June 2026, 6:47 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Waimakariri and Hurunui district councils have welcomed the Government's acceptance of the Infrastructure Commission's findings in the national infrastructure plan. More >>
New Family-Friendly Activity For Hanmer
Wednesday, 24 June 2026, 6:43 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Hanmer Springs Community Board has approved the design of a new disc golf course. More >>
'Still Too High': Tauranga Sets Reduced 7.2% Rates Rise
Wednesday, 24 June 2026, 6:39 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
The Annual Plan's 7.2 percent average increase across all ratepayers was down from 10.4 percent estimated in the 2024-34 Long-Term Plan and last year's hike of 9.9 percent. More >>
Four Summer Weather Events Have Cost Bay Of Plenty Regional Council $341k – So Far
Wednesday, 24 June 2026, 6:35 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
The Government’s proposed rates reforms would limit annual rates increases and require councils to seek approval from a central regulator to exceed the cap. More >>
Southland Council Staff Face Increase In Bad Behaviour
Wednesday, 24 June 2026, 6:31 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Council group manager Trudie Hurst told Local Democracy Reporting there was no specific cause for the jump, noting the number of verbal abuse incidents would be closely monitored. More >>
Ruapehu Will Erupt Again. Are We Ready?
Wednesday, 24 June 2026, 1:44 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
It is still an active system, and it's got a long history going back hundreds of thousands of years. It's a big volcano – and it's still got plenty of life, says volcanologist Graham Leonard. More >>
Porirua Council Needs Twice The Indoor Courts To Hit National Standard
Tuesday, 23 June 2026, 6:04 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The report did not take into account indoor courts not owned by the council, such as school gymnasiums or Cricket Wellington’s Mana Indoor Cricket Centre. More >>
Too Much Environmental Reporting Claims Councillor
Tuesday, 23 June 2026, 5:55 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
The Government has introduced legislation to amend the Environmental Reporting Act to address what it describes as New Zealand's "outdated environmental reporting regime". More >>
Councillor Challenges Secrecy As Rotorua Narrows Wastewater Options
Tuesday, 23 June 2026, 5:49 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Rotorua narrows wastewater options but key details on cost and sites remain under wraps. More >>
‘I Cried. I Was In Awe’: The Day Ruapehu Erupted, Told By Those Who Saw It
Tuesday, 23 June 2026, 5:33 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
For Wilson, of Ngāti Rangi – an uri (descendant) of Te Whare Toka o Paerangi (Paerangi’s House of Stone) – the experience was shaped by a lifelong relationship with the mountain. More >>
Canterbury Getting 'Raw Deal' On Transport - ECan Chair
Tuesday, 23 June 2026, 5:28 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Canterbury chairperson Dr Swiggs said he wants more emphasis on the maintenance of the roading network and public transport in Government policy announcements. More >>
Wairoa Mayor Hits Out At Govt’s Tight Reform Timeframe
Tuesday, 23 June 2026, 5:16 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
The reforms come after RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop announced in early May that councils had three months to submit amalgamation proposals, or the Government would do it for them. More >>
Drought-Busting Waikato Water Plan To Flow On Despite Amalgamation Jitters
Tuesday, 23 June 2026, 5:03 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
High-risk, priority catchments such as the Waikato and Piako rivers which attract low rainfall but high demand were targeted, as they have already reached triggers for action. More >>
Green Pastures Or Blue Waters? Thames-Coromandel Shortlists Three Options For Amalgamation
Tuesday, 23 June 2026, 4:58 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The council does not officially have a preferred option at this stage, with community feedback on the options closing on the 15th of July. More >>
Rotorua Mayor: 'Threats Of Violence Are Unacceptable'
Tuesday, 23 June 2026, 4:35 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell told Local Democracy Reporting the threat was “surprising and sad” that people were left to feel unsafe in the workplace and schools today. More >>
South Wairarapa's Rates To Rise 5.4%
Tuesday, 23 June 2026, 10:12 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
South Wairarapa Mayor Fran Wilde said the council had committed to maintaining essential services & investing in critical infrastructure, while keeping rates within the 6.5% increase forecast when the current Long- Term Plan was developed last year. More >>
Christchurch Mayor Sidesteps Councillor's ‘Big Pants’ Jibe
Tuesday, 23 June 2026, 10:02 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Councils have just seven weeks remaining on a Government deadline to put forward a plan for larger unitary councils. More >>
