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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 14]
'No Council Invoices': Ashburton Community-Funded Bike Park Takes Shape
Friday, 2 October 2026, 9:47 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
The park, aimed at teaching road safety skills to children, young people and adults as they learn how to ride a bike or scooter, is on track for its scheduled completion in December. More >>
All Aboard: Full-Size Tūhono Train Mock-Up Unveiled
Friday, 2 October 2026, 9:01 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
CCS Disability Action access advisor Raewyn Hailes said involving people with lived experience would improve carriage comfort and ease of movement for all passengers and crew. More >>
Tearful Tararua Councillors Meet For First Time After Colleague's Death
Friday, 2 October 2026, 8:53 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
Woodville Lions president Dale Stokes told Manawatū Standard last week Johns suffered serious injuries when the scaffolding crashed onto him in severe wind. More >>
Election Candidate Tightlipped On Future After Job Loss Win
Friday, 2 October 2026, 8:36 am | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Vicky Hau took her case to the Employment Relations Authority after she was made redundant from the position. More >>
Stockwater Exit Could Leave Ashburton Domain Pond High And Dry
Friday, 2 October 2026, 8:27 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
The Ashburton District Council is in the final year of delivering the service, with Winchmore being the next stockwater intake under the exit transition spotlight. More >>
'We're Pulling Out All The Tools': Tongariro Recovery Effort Continues After Massive Fires
Friday, 2 October 2026, 8:23 am | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Department of Conservation (DOC) operations manager Libby O’Brien said native plants are resilient but the fire-damaged landscape remains vulnerable despite signs of natural recovery. More >>
Mock-Up Of New Regional Trains Put To The Test In Wellington
Friday, 2 October 2026, 8:03 am | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Built by KiwiRail at its Lower Hutt workshop, the mock-up is a life-sized model of a Tūhono battery-electric multi-unit train’s cab and carriage. More >>
Boat Partly Submerged In Marlborough Sounds Sparks Oil Spill Response
Friday, 2 October 2026, 7:59 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
The 56-foot launch, named the Padrone, sunk near Waitaria Bay jetty in Kenepuru Sound on Tuesday, carrying 2000 litres of diesel and 60 litres of engine oil. More >>
Amberley Reserve Development To Cater 'For All Ages'
Friday, 2 October 2026, 7:56 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Hurunui District Council has approved the installation of a play module for younger children as part of the development of the Amberley Village Green. More >>
Nitrate Issue ‘Hasn’t Gone Away’, Former ECan Chair Says
Friday, 2 October 2026, 7:53 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Former Environment Canterbury chairperson Craig Pauling has expressed his frustration, after his former colleagues effectively voted to end the region's nitrate emergency. More >>
Gisborne Couple Collect 600kg Of Rubbish In Beach Clean-Ups
Friday, 2 October 2026, 7:50 am | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Ben Arthur and Eleanor Dizon moved to Gisborne three weeks ago for a job opportunity, but quickly spent their spare time tackling the region’s illegal tipping problem. More >>
Taranaki Health Leader's Multi-Generation Housing Vision
Thursday, 1 October 2026, 1:01 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
“Whether their house is warm & dry, whether they have adequate income, employment, whether the whānau at home are safe in happy, positive relationships, whether there's good kai on the table,” says Tui Ora pou tū kūrae (CE) Alana Ruakere. More >>
Auckland Council Ditches Postal Voting In Future Local Elections After Fraud Concerns
Thursday, 1 October 2026, 11:48 am | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
During discussions, cost was one of the biggest concerns raised by councillors. According to staff, postal voting would cost ratepayers $16 million while booth voting would cost $39m for a 10 or 20-day election, or both methods for $48.1m. More >>
NZ Vietnam Veterans March In Taupō To Remember Their Fallen
Thursday, 1 October 2026, 11:09 am | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
Victor Timu, a veteran who helped to organise the reunion, told Local Democracy Reporting that the event was attended by about 200 people, of whom 50 were Vietnam veterans. More >>
Run-Down Invercargill Council Building Still Awaiting Repairs
Thursday, 1 October 2026, 11:06 am | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Te Hīnaki Civic Building on Invercargill's Esk St underwent a mass exodus of 167 staff last year due to the state of the building, with just 80 remaining. More >>
'Success Story' Expo Returns For Horowhenua’s Older Residents
Thursday, 1 October 2026, 11:03 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
The free expo was a “Horowhenua success story”, according to the council's group manager for community vision and delivery David McCorkindale. More >>
Council To Probe Forever Chemicals In Lake Rotorua
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:46 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is putting $30,000 towards the investigation. More >>
Waikato Waters Set To Go Live In Matamata-Piako
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:42 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Waikato Waters took operational control in South Waikato, Waipā and Waitomo District Councils on July 1, with plans to roll out to Hauraki and Ōtorohanga next year. More >>
‘Prepare Now’: Marlborough Braces For ‘Elevated’ El Niño Fire Season
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:36 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
El Niño typically brought to New Zealand a windy and changeable spring, dry spells in the north and east, heavy rain and storms in the west and south, and bigger swings between warm and cold. More >>
No Annual Fee For Al Fresco In Masterton CBD
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:32 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
A new policy was recently adopted by councillors which governed the commercial use of public spaces outside shops through the likes of outdoor dining, sale of goods, and other activities. More >>
