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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 14]
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Election Results: Restanding Councillors Keep Their Seats
Monday, 13 October 2025, 8:30 am | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
All sitting Hawke's Bay regional councillors, who ran for re-election, have won back their seats, progress results suggest. More >>
Hurunui's Mayor Had Already Won, But That Didn't Stop The Nerves
Monday, 13 October 2025, 8:26 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Hurunui Mayor Marie Black is ready to get to back work after seeing the make up of her new council. She had already been re-elected unopposed for a third term. More >>
Ken Laban Makes History As Pasifika Candidates Win Across Aotearoa
Sunday, 12 October 2025, 6:33 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Fauono Ken Laban's victory in Lower Hutt marks a historic milestone for Pacific representation in local government. More >>
Levin’s Only Pasifika Candidate Runs To Make Local Government Visible To Her Community
Friday, 10 October 2025, 6:17 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Masoe, who is Samoan and was born in Palmerston North, teaches at Waiopehu College, where she serves as a Pasifika Dean and teaches social sciences, physical education, Pasifika studies, and performing arts. More >>
Auckland Records Lowest Voter Turnout For Local Elections
Friday, 10 October 2025, 6:13 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
According to stats from Local Government New Zealand, 983,466 votes had been received around the country as of October 9, which represented 28.49% of all eligible votes. More >>
Only 1 In 3 Voted In Ashburton And Selwyn
Friday, 10 October 2025, 6:11 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Ashburton vote returns were only at 36%, as of October 9, compared to being at least 44% at the same time in the previous three elections. More >>
South Wairarapa Council Adopts Annual Report
Friday, 10 October 2025, 6:04 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Council chief executive Janice Smith said the biggest focuses for the 2024-25 year had been essential services and preparation for future change. More >>
Nobby Clark's Controversial Mayoralty Draws To An End
Friday, 10 October 2025, 6:01 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Clark has not sought re-election, meaning his final day in the job will likely come sometime next week after official results are declared. More >>
Councils Must Work Together On New Water Model - ECan Chair
Friday, 10 October 2025, 5:57 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Outgoing Environment Canterbury chairperson Craig Pauling says the proposed freshwater catchment model will require councils to work together. More >>
Council Defends Nursery Cuts After Backlash From Elected Members
Friday, 10 October 2025, 5:45 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Council boss says nursery job cuts were operational, not political, amid criticism. More >>
Ashburton Waits For DIA Water Decision
Friday, 10 October 2025, 5:29 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
The council submitted its stand-alone business unit plan for the future delivery of water services by the September 3 deadline, as part of the Government’s Water Done Well reforms. More >>
Ashburton Bookarama's Big Bill For Binning Books
Friday, 10 October 2025, 5:13 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Rotary Club of Ashburton’s annual Bookarama fundraiser received $3,500 from the district council to help cover the rising costs of disposing of the unsellable items. More >>
Ngāi Tahu Councillors Reflect On Three Year Term
Friday, 10 October 2025, 4:59 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Canterbury's two Ngāi Tahu councillors have completed a three year term following the passing of the Ngāi Tahu Representation Act in 2022. More >>
Departing ECan Chair: A Mega-Canterbury Council Wouldn't Work
Friday, 10 October 2025, 4:53 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Canterbury's outgoing chairperson says elections could be simplified by changing the representation structure, but he is not advocating for a unitary authority. More >>
DOC Rebuts Rates Claim By Westland Mayoral Candidate
Friday, 10 October 2025, 4:49 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter
Jacquie Grant has claimed on her social media campaign page that DOC can be rated on land it uses for commercial purposes, and if elected she will make sure it is charged. More >>
West Coast One Plan Can't Be Ditched - Government
Friday, 10 October 2025, 4:46 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter
The West Coast Regional Council’s chief executive Darryl Lew, said the Ministry statement confirmed his view that there was no way in law to set the plan aside. More >>
Tauranga Mayor Vows Cheaper Redo After $105m Pool Project Halted
Friday, 10 October 2025, 4:43 pm | Alisha Evans - Local Democracy Reporter
Tauranga council to restart Memorial Park pool plan after $4.7m spend. More >>
Cape Palliser Vehicle Ban Given Greenlight
Friday, 10 October 2025, 4:39 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Despite having the support of a majority of councillors, the amended bylaw was still opposed by councillors Aidan Ellims and Aaron Woodcock at Wednesday’s full council meeting. More >>
Fireworks Warning For Auckland's Maunga
Friday, 10 October 2025, 4:36 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Tūpuna Maunga Authority chair Paul Majurey said the protection of Auckland’s ancestral mountains from fire was a year-round responsibility, with extra precautions in place around Guy Fawkes. More >>
And So It Begins ... Masterton Town Hall Demolition Prep Under Way
Friday, 10 October 2025, 4:17 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
A Masterton District Council spokesperson said the demolition start date was not yet set but visible exterior works would likely start in December or January. More >>
