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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 12]
Mackenzie Council Supports Move To Sell Alpine Energy Shares
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 5:44 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
The proposal to divest Mackenzie District Council (MDC)'s 4.96% shareholding was presented by council corporate, commercial and planning general manager Murray Dickson last week. More >>
Lake Rotokākahi Court Battle Escalates As New Appeal Filed
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 5:38 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
The Rotokākahi Board of Control has gone to the Court of Appeal about the lack of remedies and, in a media release this week, chairman Wally Lee criticised the council’s decision to file a cross-appeal. More >>
How El Niño May Affect The Waikato’s Agriculture Sector
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 5:34 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The weather pattern is forecast to increase the risk of drought, wildfires and heat-related human/animal health concerns, according to industry experts. More >>
'High Risk' Parts Of The Historic Village To Close During Heavy Rain
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 5:30 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
The high-risk zone covers areas with steep slopes, evidence of instability, uncontrolled fill, seepage, and/or structural retaining elements showing movement. More >>
Repairs Start This Month On Historic, Long-Closed Petone Wharf
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 5:26 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Weakened by tidal worms, the century-old wharf had been closed since 2021 because of earthquake and storm damage. More >>
Independent Review Into Council's Failed Flight School Begins
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 5:01 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Mayor Andrew Tripe said an independent review was necessary to establish a clear record of what occurred. More >>
Kaikōura Tourism Bounces Back After July Flood
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 4:54 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Kaikōura tourism operators are ready for a busy summer, as the region recovers from the July flood event. More >>
High Fuel Prices Creating Public Transport Challenges For Canterbury
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 4:17 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Demand for public transport in Canterbury is growing as fuel prices continue to rise. More >>
Restoration Project Helps Marlborough Iwi Reclaim Their Maritime Roots
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 10:28 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kia houkura te Kopakopa project was a collaboration between Marlborough District Council, Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui, Port Marlborough and the Cawthron Institute to restore the purple ribbed mussel kopakopa to its original habitat. More >>
Nuit Blanche: Napier’s Artists And 8000-Strong Crowd Defy The Weather For Street Festival
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:50 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Napier City Council tourism and events lead Kevin Murphy said it was "fantastic" to see about 8000 people come out in the rain to support the annual event. More >>
Support For Amberley's SH1 Speed Limit Drop
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:46 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Motorists are being asked to take their foot off the gas as they approach Amberley from the south. More >>
Major Planning Shake-Up Set To Transform Council Consenting
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:44 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The new Natural Environment and Planning Acts have passed into law, but what does this mean for councils? More >>
1080 Poison Drop Planned For West Coast National Park
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:39 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
The operation covers nearly 29,000ha of the national park, including the northern part of the Heaphy Track where it traverses the Tasman Sea coastline. More >>
West Coast Communities Ditch Flood Works Insurance
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:19 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
Rating districts are local ratepayer collectives responsible for funding river protection works which mainly protect West Coast farming areas. More >>
Solar Farm Developer Denies Claim It’s ‘Gaming The System’
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:15 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
Far North Solar Farm Ltd (FNSF), owned and directed by Richard Homewood, applied last October to develop a solar farm along the northern shore of Lake Benmore in the Mackenzie District, according to its fast-track application. More >>
Waikato Waters $2M Over Budget As Storm-Damaged Plant Eyes November Reopening
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:09 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The new council-controlled organisation's annual report outlined a $18.6 million spend for the period ending June 30 with a budget of only $16.5 million. More >>
Police Gear Up For Rugby League World Cup Gatherings In Auckland
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:04 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Nemme, police emergency management coordinator, said past gatherings have resulted in mass disorder, intoxication and other offending. More >>
Kaikōura Council Adopts Ethics Code For Business Dealings
Monday, 5 October 2026, 6:02 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaikōura District Council's new procurement policy offers a guide to making 'ethical' purchasing decisions. More >>
‘Anything New Is Good’: Picton Businesses Back Central Blenheim Revamp
Monday, 5 October 2026, 5:59 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
October 02, 2025 Nearly a year on from their own streetscape revamp, Picton’s London Quay businesses are encouraging those on Blenheim’s Market St to trust the process. After four months of construction last year, London Quay reopened ... More >>
The Highs And Lows Of Marlborough’s Main Aquifer Laid Bare
Monday, 5 October 2026, 5:56 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
The Wairau River and rainfall filled the bucket, while water leaked out through springs such as Spring Creek, Murphy’s Creek, Taylor River, and Grovetown Lagoon. More >>
