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]

The Facts And Figures Surrounding Saturday’s General Election

Friday, 6 November 2026, 1:14 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The election is heating up ahead of election day on Saturday, November 7. More >>

City Bus Routes May Be Chopped To Bolster Rangiora, Rolleston

Friday, 6 November 2026, 1:10 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Environment Canterbury is being forced to review its city bus routes due to funding constraints, as it looks to bolster its Rangiora and Rolleston links. More >>

Lower Rates And Better Services ‘A Bit Unrealistic’, Economist Says

Friday, 6 November 2026, 1:07 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter

Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen said residents and ratepayers cannot realistically demand lower rates while expecting the council to deliver "the same, if not greater services" over time. More >>

'Our Voice Is Needed': Tairāwhiti Wāhine Bring Local Action To UN Talks

Friday, 6 November 2026, 1:03 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter

"Conversations with indigenous representatives, scientists and international companies reinforced the need for indigenous participation in environmental decision-making," said Ruatōria-raised Miria Koia. More >>

Council Ignores Staff, Mana Whenua Advice On Voting Rights

Friday, 6 November 2026, 12:56 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter

In June, Local Government Minister Simon Watts said there were examples of individuals being given voting rights on council committees without being elected, which was "not democratic". More >>

Luxon Visits Vineyard On Campaign Trail: ‘It’s An Exciting Time To Be A Winemaker'

Thursday, 5 November 2026, 10:40 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter

Luxon mingled with about 70 business leaders and party faithful, accompanied by deputy leader Nicola Willis and Kaikōura electorate candidate Stuart Smith, at Small Town Winery in Blenheim on Tuesday morning. More >>

Methven's Peace Tree Axed After 107 Years

Thursday, 5 November 2026, 10:36 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

Nordqvist, a former district councillor, said he was devastated when the Ashburton District Council cut down the tree in early October after it was deemed to be in severe decline and a safety risk. More >>

Manawatū-Whanganui Regional Council To Make ‘Trade-Offs’ Ahead Of Rates Caps

Thursday, 5 November 2026, 10:23 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter

High inflation and incoming rates capping meant Horizons Regional Council would need to make “trade-offs” to fund new and continued services in Manawatū-Whanganui, chairwoman Nikki Riley said. More >>

Election 2026: Labour’s Taupō Candidate Chris Flatt Says Energy Reform Key To Job Sustainability

Thursday, 5 November 2026, 10:20 am | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter

Incumbent MP Louise Upston has held the Taupō seat for six consecutive terms since defeating Labour’s Mark Burton in 2008. More >>

Asset Boom Softens Mackenzie’s More Than $3 Million Operating Deficit

Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 7:30 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter

The Mackenzie District Council adopted its Annual Report last week, which confirmed expenditure of $37.9m against revenue of $34.7m for the 2025/26 financial year. More >>

New Wellington Walking Tracks Open By Christmas

Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 7:24 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter

The Greater Wellington Regional Council said on Tuesday that existing farm tracks at the former Gollan’s Valley Station would be marked for recreational use and open to the public by December 19. More >>

Council Urges More Detail On Taranaki Maunga Plan

Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 7:17 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting

The plan will set out how Te Papa-kura-o-Taranaki national park is protected, restored, accessed and used. More >>

Late Leader’s Park Vision Set To Become Reality In Wairarapa

Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 7:09 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

The erosion-prone land was bought more than 30 years ago as part of an initiative to rehabilitate land and reduce the amount of soil eroding into local rivers and streams, minimising flood damage to local communities. More >>

Fireworks Risk Extends Beyond Auckland’s Maunga, Firefighters Warn

Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 6:29 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter

Fire and Emergency (FENZ) Community Risk Manager Lorna Biggam says South Auckland crews responded to a slew of calls during last year’s Guy Fawkes period. More >>

Draft Kaipara Bylaw Targets Intimidating Behaviour In Public Places

Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 6:26 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter

November 02, 2026 People begging, preaching, busking or seeking donations in Kaipara's public places could face council intervention if their behaviour intimidates, alarms or harms others under a draft bylaw update. Kaipara District Council will consider ... More >>

Local Democracy Reporting