Local Democracy Reporting

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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]

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 >>

Why Hamilton Has So Many Speed Bumps

Friday, 4 September 2026, 6:30 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter

RSPs typically used today were introduced around 2013, Strongman added, saying council initially drew guidance from Australia and the Netherlands until adequate local experience was gained. 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 >>

Heat On Senior Staff As Councillors Pick Apart Landslide Failures

Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 12:19 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter

Councillors probed how the council handled information before the tragedy, including why some monitoring appeared to have stopped, how reports about risk were escalated and why these did not make it to council meetings. More >>

Far North Approves New Independent Dog Objections Panel As First Case Awaits Hearing

Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 10:59 am | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter

Council staff said dog control hearings were quasi-judicial proceedings requiring decision makers to apply principles of natural justice, weigh evidence, avoid conflicts of interest and provide written reasons for their decisions. More >>

'The Holes Will Get Bigger': $1.9m To Test Lake Wall Fixes Labelled 'Delay Tactics'

Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 10:46 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter

The council says the wall, built for $11m in 2008, could cost up to $25m to repair. More >>

'Asinine' Speed Bump Removal Plan: Tāhunanui Hills Residents Forced To Be First Responders

Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 10:40 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter

Nelson residents who have responded to crashes outside their homes want the council to change its mind and keep speed bumps installed, but not everyone in their neighbourhood agrees. More >>

Wairarapa Water Entity Eyes Up New HQ

Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 10:32 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

In the organisation’s latest newsletter, board chair Adrienne Young-Cooper said work to establish Waitī Waters continued at pace and thanked staff from the four councils for contributing to the transition on top of their day-to-day responsibilities. More >>