Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 15]
How A Teen Son's Passion For Māori Wards Led To A Shock Win For His Mum
Wednesday, 5 November 2025, 5:46 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Mawera Karetai did not erect a single billboard or spend a cent on her Māori ward election campaign in the Bay of Plenty, so it came as a shock when she actually won. More >>
Ideas For What To Do With Tōmoana Showgrounds In Hastings Are Being Sought - And Pandaland Will Be One Submission
Wednesday, 5 November 2025, 3:24 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
The Hastings District Council, which purchased the Tōmoana Showgrounds in 2023, is asking residents to help shape a 10-year master plan for its future. More >>
The Push To Restore Power In 'Apocalyptic' Southland
Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 3:57 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Around 2200 customers are still without power following a freak storm on 23 October. More >>
Photos Reveal Significant Fire Damage To Auckland Track
Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 3:54 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Fire and Emergency New Zealand were called to a vegetation fire at Fairy Falls Track in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park about 8am on Sunday. More >>
Visitors Warned To Watch For Birds Crash Landing In Kaikōura
Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 3:52 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Crash landings for the vulnerable Kaikōura tītī birds is more common in March and April - but happen from August to March during breeding season as well. More >>
Popular Far North Mayor Moko Tepania, Won't Seek Re-Election In 2028
Friday, 31 October 2025, 5:27 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Tepania made the announcement about his future to gasps of surprise at the Far North District Council's meeting on Wednesday. More >>
Nelson Council Prioritises Economic Recovery After 'Winter From Hell'
Friday, 31 October 2025, 5:19 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
As the new Nelson City Council was sworn in on Thursday afternoon, returning mayor Nick Smith put the economic recovery of the city in his sights. More >>
Rates Could Go Up For Properties That Get New Granny Flats
Friday, 31 October 2025, 5:12 pm | Sue Teodoro - Local Democracy Reporter
Rates could be raised for properties with granny flats, an economist says, after new rules were passed allowing people to build structures up to 70 square metres in their yards. More >>
Auckland Liquor Store Licence Denied After Community Outcry
Friday, 31 October 2025, 5:09 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
The Auckland District Licensing Committee (DLC) has declined an application SSB 2024 to revive an off-licence bottle shop near Manurewa. More >>
When Slips Closed This Popular Track, Locals Came Up With A Cunning Plan
Friday, 31 October 2025, 5:08 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter
The southern half of the popular Charming Creek Walkway, has been closed by multiple slips since 2019 but the local community has plans to help restore it. More >>
Hundreds Of Storm Insurance Claims Across Wairarapa
Friday, 31 October 2025, 5:06 pm | Sue Teodoro - Local Democracy Reporter
A total of 200 claims were made, with Masterton having the highest number at 60 - mostly from the weather event on 21 October. More >>
Work Begins On $10.4m First Stage Of Lincoln's Town Centre Redevelopment
Monday, 27 October 2025, 9:32 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Lincoln is Selwyn'ssecond-largest township, with its population increasing by approximately10 percent annually since 2020. More >>
Building Law Shake-Up Gives Hope To Rotorua's Historic Blue Baths
Monday, 27 October 2025, 9:27 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
As Rotorua is in a medium-risk seismic zone, a timeframe of 10 years for initial assessment and 25 years for strengthening existed. More >>
From Pool Manager To Waimakariri Council Boss
Thursday, 23 October 2025, 4:48 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jeff Millward has completed 40 years' service in local government in Rangiora. More >>
River Gravel Extraction Plan Hits Speed Bump
Thursday, 23 October 2025, 4:45 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Canterbury appointed commissioners heard an application for gravel extraction from the Waipara River, at a hearing in Waipara last week. More >>
Power Restored In Marlborough; Queues For Bakery In Blenheim
Thursday, 23 October 2025, 4:41 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
A rare red wind warning for South Marlborough and Canterbury forced flight cancellations, power outages and closures across the South Island on Thursday, with gusts of up to 150kph. More >>
New Pipes Big Enough To Supply Whakatāne
Thursday, 23 October 2025, 4:37 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Three waters manager Jim Finlay said about 620 metres of 400mm diameter polyethylene drinking water pipe was being installed along SH30, and around 500metres of 180mm pipe along Huna Road. More >>
Wairarapa Hit By More Wild Weather
Thursday, 23 October 2025, 4:35 pm | Sue Teodoro - Local Democracy Reporter
The spokesperson for the three Wairarapa councils urged people to prepare ahead of the wild weather. More >>
Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence Boosting Staff Numbers As More Stormy Weather Looms
Thursday, 23 October 2025, 4:32 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
October 22, 2025 Manawatū-Whanganu residents and visitors are being urged to prepare for potentially serious weather around Labour Weekend, with heavy rain and winds forecast. Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence is bringing in extra staff ... More >>
Ashburton's Water Plan Receives DIA Tick
Tuesday, 21 October 2025, 8:29 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Council chief executive Hamish Riach said he was pleased to hear from the Secretary for Local Government Paul James that Ashburton’s delivery plan had been assessed and accepted. More >>
