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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Poll Shows Labour Ahead At Kāpiti Electorate
Thursday, 6 August 2026, 10:37 am | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kāpiti electorate – created by the Representation Commision last year when it adjusted electorate boundaries – succeeded the classic bellwether seat Ōtaki, keeping most of its territory. More >>
Councillor Questions 'Underspend' On Waste And Stormwater Infrastructure
Thursday, 6 August 2026, 10:33 am | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
The financial report showed the council was expected to finish the financial year with a $66 million operating surplus, higher than expected. More >>
Wairarapa Councils Split Over Future
Thursday, 6 August 2026, 10:29 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
On Wednesday morning, Masterton District Council voted by a majority to submit a Wairarapa Unitary Authority proposal to the Government’s Head Start pathway, following Carterton’s lead. More >>
Consent Declined For 129-Lot Subdivision, Appeal Planned
Thursday, 6 August 2026, 9:00 am | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Concerns were raised about potential impacts on stormwater, flooding, traffic, cultural, ecology, rural character and infrastructure capacity. More >>
Panels And Paddocks: How Effective Solar Farm Sheep Grazing Really Is
Thursday, 6 August 2026, 8:46 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Energy giant Meridian has consent to build 230,000 solar panels in Morrinsville, and sheep will be grazing under and between panels to maximise land productivity. More >>
‘Bent Over Backwards’: New Eastern Waikato Bloc Says Government Should Accept Merger
Thursday, 6 August 2026, 8:41 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Wellington should listen according to Matamata-Piako district council mayor Ash Tanner, who says local councils have “bent over backwards” and “pandered” to the Government over the past three months. More >>
Referendum Needed To Back Local Government Structures, Says Wellington Regional Council
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 6:55 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
It came on the same day, the Kāpiti Coast District Council formally requested to change the regional proposal to have its own authority. More >>
‘Bullsh*t’ – Hiked Bills Squeeze Tasman Ratepayers
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 3:39 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Shocking, ridiculous, and disgusting are just some of the words used on a Facebook thread discussing the hikes to rates bills. More >>
Will Auckland's Food Grade Posters Disappear From Eateries?
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 3:34 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Auckland Council’s governing body voted on Tuesday to let the Food Safety Information Bylaw lapse next year. More >>
West Coast Leaders Snub Denniston Mine Petition
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 3:30 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
The petition asked that the plateau instead be designated as a scientific reserve, as Forest and Bird says the area is home to unique ecosystems and critically endangered species. More >>
Union Worried As Nelson Council Shake-Up Impacts Dozens Of Staff
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 3:27 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
The Public Service Association said that “almost all” of its 160 members at the council were impacted in some way by the organisational changes that affected 19 of 22 business units. More >>
Wairarapa Lumped Into Wellington Supercity Proposal
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 8:53 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Both the Wairarapa and Wellington proposals being evaluated by councillors were only high-level outlines of potential reorganisation models and a detailed design phase would happen once Cabinet green-lit them in September. More >>
Auckland City Bottle Shop Ordered To Shut Down
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 8:39 am | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
City Centre Residents Group (CCRG) chair Antony Phillips said they were pleased with ARLA’s decision because Vogel Lane had, at times, become an open air bar with alcohol purchased from bottle stores in the area. More >>
Joint Water Services Could Save Eastern Bay And Rotorua $330 Million Long-term
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 8:31 am | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Assessments of the current states of the four councils show Ōpōtiki has the highest proportion of assets rated as in poor or very poor condition, which the report says reflects a legacy of underinvestment. More >>
Eastern Bay Bites The Bullet On Amalgamation 'Beast'
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 8:14 am | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Whakatāne Mayor Nandor Tanczos, Kawerau Mayor Faylene Tunui and Ōpōtiki Mayor David Moore have been working together over the past 90 days on a proposal for amalgamation of their three councils. More >>
Concerns Over Forestry Impact Spark Protest At Awards
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 8:08 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Long-standing concerns about forestry in the Mārahau area in Tasman have sparked protests outside the local forestry awards and formal complaints to the council. More >>
Marae Solar Project Provides Power And Learning Opportunities For Iwi And Local Ākonga
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 8:03 am | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Ten Ngāti Porou marae, alongside Manutūkē Marae and Pākōwhai Marae (about 14km and 20km from Gisborne respectively), will receive solar panels. More >>
Taranaki Councils Look To Work With Māori After Merger
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 7:57 am | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui said the merger of South Taranaki and Stratford met mana whenua needs better than a wider amalgamation including New Plymouth. More >>
Hurunui Resident Survey Backs North Canterbury Council
Tuesday, 4 August 2026, 6:17 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Hurunui Mayor Marie Black said councillors will have had their own conversations with constituents, to give them a flavour of community sentiment. More >>
Kaikōura Swapping Pines For Natives At Coastal Reserve
Tuesday, 4 August 2026, 6:11 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaikōura District Council is organising a community planting day for its coastal reserve, Pōhowera Park, following the adoption of a master plan for the park last year. More >>
