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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Waikato Lawmakers Praise $1.8 Billion Expressway Vow
Monday, 1 June 2026, 9:12 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The project will complete a vital missing link on a major corridor for moving both people and goods, AA Waikato District Council chairperson Steve Cantwell said. More >>
Bad Behaviour Wrongly Blamed For Ending Taumarunui-Hamilton Bus, Says Frustrated Mayor
Monday, 1 June 2026, 9:09 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton added the Intercity alternative is simply unrealistic and he isn't happy the health organisation is "fooling people" it's the right option. More >>
New E-bike Charging Stations Valued At $900,000 For Hauraki And Tāupo Trails
Monday, 1 June 2026, 9:05 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The Government has earmarked $900,000 for charging stations on two Waikato trails, saying e-biking is ‘gaining real momentum’. More >>
On Leave Manurewa Board Member To Keep Pay While SFO Assesses Complaint
Monday, 1 June 2026, 4:46 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Lou-Ann Ballantyne, Auckland Council's General Manager Governance and Engagement, said elected members remain entitled to remuneration while they hold office. More >>
Canterbury Agrees To Regional Approach On Local Government Reform
Monday, 1 June 2026, 4:30 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
The Canterbury Mayoral Forum met on Friday and is recommending its member councils explore a regional approach to developing a proposal, with individual councils working through the detail of what that looks like for their communities. More >>
Ashburton Council Rates Change Three Times In A Week
Monday, 1 June 2026, 2:11 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
After approving a draft annual plan in mid-March, carrying the 8.71% increase, the council held workshops on April 29 and May 6 to consider the impact of the Iran war on fuel costs. More >>
'Accident Waiting To Happen': Principal Demands Action Over School Crossing
Monday, 1 June 2026, 1:18 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Rotorua Lakes Council says it will not relocate the crossing despite concerns. More >>
Red Warnings Issued To Hundreds Of Recycling Rule Breakers
Wednesday, 15 April 2026, 5:04 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
The clean recycling message has been slow to kick in for some Southland residents, more than one year after bin inspections began in the region. More >>
Fish And Chips Farewell As Waikato Expressway Extension Forces Family From Long-Held Home
Wednesday, 15 April 2026, 4:25 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The buying process with NZ Transport Agency has added to the stress, the owners say. More >>
‘Devastating’ Scenes As Wildlife Lay Dead On Dry Lakebed In Manawatū
Wednesday, 15 April 2026, 3:05 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
"These are taonga species which have been part of our lives and our tūpuna lives for many years." More >>
Rolleston Emergency Hub Plan At Risk As Council Eyes Housing Profits
Tuesday, 14 April 2026, 5:18 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Helpet Park sits undeveloped in the centre of Rolleston, and the Selwyn District Council has been working with agencies to build an emergency services hub since 2023. More >>
Auckland School Run Chaos Leaves 'Hundreds Late' To Class
Tuesday, 14 April 2026, 5:10 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
A principal of an Auckland school is frustrated that nothing has been done to fix the traffic chaos at one of the country's fastest growing suburbs. More >>
Whanganui Council Accused Of 'Downplaying’ Rebrand Cost By More Than $55,000
Friday, 10 April 2026, 4:38 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Information obtained by the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union shows the council's rebranding project cost $116,899 - nearly double the $61,800 design figure previously cited. More >>
‘The Vineyard Will Have To Close If I Have No Water’: Matahiwi
Friday, 10 April 2026, 4:33 pm | Sue Teodoro - Local Democracy Reporter
An award-winning Wairarapa vineyard is among a raft of commercial operations that could be on the line if a key water race is closed. More >>
Councillor Slams DOC Over Pest Animal Control
Thursday, 9 April 2026, 3:16 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
West Coast Regional Council chief executive Darryl Lew acknowledged there were tensions between regional councils and the government over the eradication of goats, pigs and deer. More >>
Rangiora High Takes Stand Against Rugby Premier Competition
Thursday, 9 April 2026, 3:12 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The move follows a bid from South Island boys' schools to establish a separate competition. More >>
Shoppers Welcome Parking Change At One Of Auckland’s Most Ticketed Streets
Thursday, 9 April 2026, 3:10 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Residents are praising a pilot initiative to increase parking time limits at one of Auckland's most ticketed streets. More >>
Selwyn Households Could Face 18 Percent Water Bill Hike
Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 5:43 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
For an average urban household, using drinking water and wastewater services, the cost could increase by $280. More >>
Political Hopeful Karl Mokaraka Rejects 'Serial Heckling' Label
Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 5:43 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Karl Mokaraka has been removed from Parliament and disrupted political events. He now has his sights set on running for the Papatoetoe Local Board. More >>
Wellington Cable Car Merch Sales Soar
Wednesday, 4 March 2026, 3:34 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
A $10 Wellington cable car-themed keychain is selling like hotcakes, while the big chill grips the capital. More >>
