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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Carterton's Ground Too Wet, Stream Too Low For Wastewater Discharge
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 6:22 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Since the flooding, rainfall had been insufficient to raise the stream to a high enough level for consented discharge, which was above twice its median flow. More >>
Carterton Looking To Turn Poo Into Profits
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 6:19 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Carterton District Council teamed up with Compost NZ last year to trial an environmentally-beneficial solution for managing sludge at its wastewater treatment plant in Dalefield. More >>
SFO Charges Former Council Manager
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 6:15 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The three people, who have interim name suppression, face two charges each of obtaining by deception. More >>
Kawau Island Residents Weigh In On Rubbish Stoush
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 6:04 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kawau Islander was responding to opposition from Sandspit Reserve residents to their home being used as a dumping ground for the island's homeowners and holidaymakers. More >>
South Taranaki Plans For Stagnant Future And Council Uncertainty
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 5:38 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
Council forecasting to inform the plan predicts the district will face negative economic growth and eventually a falling population. More >>
Te Awamutu High Schoolers Call For Crossing After Students Hit
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 3:42 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Petition creator James Crowhurst put the case to Waipā District Council on Wednesday. “Sometimes the driver will stop for me on one side & I need to run across because the driver on the other side has no intention of slowing down” he said. More >>
Bridge To Re-Open In Tararua But Not For All
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 3:35 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
Alternative routes, such as the Mangaone Valley Road and Pa Valley Road detours, would remain in place for heavy vehicles no longer permitted to use the bridge. More >>
Bin Inspections Having Desired Effect In Tough-Love Southland
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 3:32 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
A three-strike system is in place at Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council and Gore District Council, meaning those who are caught with contamination in their bins multiple times lose them and must apply for reinstatement. More >>
Illegal Dumping Falls After Council Steps In
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 3:27 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
“Measures introduced included new signage, video surveillance & infringement notices. We also work with our contractor to ensure waste is removed promptly & to identify when & where illegal dumping occurs,” said Waste solutions manager Luke Knight. More >>
Taruheru River Pathway: Contractor Expected By End Of August As Funding Still Sought
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 3:21 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
“If we can do it right and get all the funding and put it in place, I’m really confident that we can move things and make impactful change,” said Tairāwhiti Trails trustee Lyall Evans. More >>
Manurewa Election Allegations: Investigation Urged As Election Services Backs Result
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 10:37 am | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Electoral Officer Dale Ofsoske, who is managing director of Election Services, said he became aware of the allegations through an Auckland Council enquiry on August 11 and a New Zealand Herald enquiry the following day. More >>
Nearly $3 Million In Unpaid Rates Owed To Wairarapa Councils
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 10:32 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
About $983,000 was owed to the South Wairarapa District Council by a total of 389 ratepayers as at the end of June this year, an 11% jump on the same time last year. More >>
‘Disappointed Is An Understatement’: Bid To Stop Motueka Service Centre Move Fails
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 10:29 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Despite a strong community campaign, Tasman District Council is continuing on its path to relocate service centre services into Motueka's library, much to the community board's disappointment. More >>
‘Grave Concern’ Ignored: Court Rules Rotorua Council Acted Unlawfully Over Sacred Lake
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 10:25 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
The ruling follows years of opposition to a pipeline beside the Māori-owned, tapu lake. More >>
Rotorua Museum Closure: Council Spends More Than $300k A Year To Store $21.5m Art Collection
Monday, 17 August 2026, 6:30 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
The council holds 2878 works of art, including 1526 donated pieces, and stores 348 works owned by other parties. More >>
Cost Blowout For New Waikato Football Turf Revealed To Be $500k
Monday, 17 August 2026, 6:26 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The council-owned community turf is the first of its kind in Waikato and third overall, the region's first two being privately owned by Hamilton Marist Rugby Club and Hamilton Girls’ High School. More >>
Calls To Put Seatoun Back On Wellington Harbour Ferry Map
Monday, 17 August 2026, 6:21 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Ferries operated by East By West travelling to Seatoun were suspended in July 2021 when the Wellington City Council closed Seatoun Wharf for repairs. More >>
Council Manager's Honest Admission: We Don't Know Where All Our Pipes Are
Monday, 17 August 2026, 6:12 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Southland District Council strategic manager water and waste Kevin Johnson made the admission during a meeting on Wednesday where he provided an update to councillors. More >>
‘We Have To Push Back’: Mackenzie Residents Meet Over Solar Expansion
Monday, 17 August 2026, 6:06 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
Murdoch’s presentation outlined the proposed Balmoral Station, Grampians, Point Solar, Twizel Solar and Bright Fern Energy projects, as well as the recently consented Haldon Station solar project. More >>
Hurunui Mayor Backs Non-Elected Committee Members Who Risk Losing Vote
Monday, 17 August 2026, 6:03 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Hurunui Mayor Marie Black says if legislation passes removing voting rights for non-elected members on council committees it will cause a rethink for her council. More >>
