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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Council Forced To Choose Voting System It May Never Use
Friday, 4 September 2026, 7:41 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Under the Government's proposed Head Start reform, Environment Southland would join 10 other regional councils in ceasing to exist sometime before the 2028 local elections. More >>
Petition Calls For Roundabouts At Dangerous Manawatū Intersections
Friday, 4 September 2026, 7:38 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
The petition was launched online by the Manawatū District Residents and Ratepayers Association last week alongside Dyer’s on-the-ground efforts in the town. More >>
'Iconic National' Road Thrown A Funding Lifeline
Friday, 4 September 2026, 7:34 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Mayor Fran Wilde has welcomed the move as “an early Christmas present for local residents, district ratepayers and the Council”. More >>
Fairer Or Harder? Auckland Council Sticks With Alphabetical Ballots
Friday, 4 September 2026, 7:31 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson and councillors Lotu Fuli and Ken Turner supported retaining alphabetical ordering, saying it was familiar and simple for voters. More >>
Council Offers Help With Taranaki Maunga Park Plan
Friday, 4 September 2026, 7:27 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
The council's Policy and Planning Committee on Tuesday offered the expertise of council policy staff to assist in shaping the management plan - He Kawa Ora mō Te Papa-kura-o-Taranaki. More >>
Mackenzie Council Explores Outsourcing Community Services
Friday, 4 September 2026, 7:20 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
Chief executive Angela Oosthuizen presented a report on the community development service, saying council now had no dedicated staff resource to deliver the work. More >>
Why Hamilton Has So Many Speed Bumps
Friday, 4 September 2026, 7:07 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Council considers factors such as vehicle speeds, crash history, traffic volumes and the mix of road users in the area, including people walking, cycling and crossing the road. More >>
Paved To Perfection: Masterton Businesses Welcome Foot Traffic
Friday, 4 September 2026, 6:57 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The all-in-one approach aimed to minimise disruption by avoiding the need for multiple separate projects, but had still caused significant disruption since March. More >>
Mayor: ‘Large Chunks’ Of Wellington Council Deloitte Report Written By AI
Friday, 4 September 2026, 6:54 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Deloitte has been asked for comment following Little’s Tuesday interview, but the firm has previously stood by the report. More >>
Westport Councillor Petitions Govt
Friday, 4 September 2026, 6:50 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
Regardless of the number of signatures he might collect, Mr Reynolds said he was pessimistic about any likely response from the Minister of Local Government Simon Watts. More >>
Civil Defence Group Writes To Minister Over Rates Cap Concerns
Friday, 4 September 2026, 6:43 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Southland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group warned in the recent letter that it could be difficult for authorities to maintain capabilities if emergency activities were subject to capping. More >>
Auckland Council Chief Wants Manurewa Election Allegations Sent To Him Or Police
Friday, 4 September 2026, 6:35 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Michael Barnett and Tania Winslade took up the roles on 31 August to advise on the board's governance and collective performance. More >>
Hastings Blossom Parade Returns With New Market And Shorter Route
Friday, 4 September 2026, 6:24 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
The annual event is funded by Hastings District Council. Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said the parade and festival were an important part of the district’s identity and heritage. More >>
First Destination Playground At Forgotten Auckland Suburb
Thursday, 3 September 2026, 3:47 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
The project had been tagged at $1.7m when it was first announced, but with more capital input from the local board, Amosa said it was a great investment for Avondale. More >>
Water Quality Trials Deemed Inconclusive At Algae-Plagued Canterbury Lake
Thursday, 3 September 2026, 3:43 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Algal bloom health warnings have been in place at Lake Hood, south of Ashburton, for four consecutive summers. More >>
Central Districts To Remain United During Emergencies Despite Reforms
Thursday, 3 September 2026, 3:40 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
Ruapehu experienced a water supply emergency only weeks ago when a major break occurred in Ohakune’s raw water intake pipe, triggering a district emergency. More >>
Whakatāne Council Deficit $1.8 Million Higher Than Anticipated
Thursday, 3 September 2026, 3:37 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
The council's finance, performance and risk committee received an initial draft of the 2025-2026 Annual Report before it is submitted to Audit New Zealand. More >>
Kawerau Council Riding High As Satisfaction Ratings Soar
Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 12:37 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Respondents were asked to rate 20 council services and facilities, with 15 of these achieving positive customer ratings of 70 percent or higher, and nine achieving above 80 percent. More >>
Carterton Rates Plan Could Stump Forestry Sector
Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 12:32 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
During Question Time in Parliament on Tuesday, Local Government Minister Simon Watts said the days of double digit rates increases were “coming to an end” and that a rates cap would “put a brake on excessive rates increases”. More >>
Flush With Potential: Shifting Wastewater From Sea To Soil
Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 12:27 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
From irrigating crops to sports fields, various options are being explored in Nelson about how to reduce the amount of treated wastewater that is discharged into the sea. More >>
