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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 16]
‘Very Close’: $2m Boost Brings Rotorua Museum Reopening In Sight
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 11:49 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Council says Rotorua Museum “very close” to exhibition funding. More >>
Survey Reveals Highs And Lows Of Working At Southland Councils
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 11:16 am | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Southland’s June survey — the most recent to be released in the region — was provided to Local Democracy Reporting and showed an overall score of 60% satisfaction. More >>
Forced Merger Proposal Process All For Nothing – Tūrangi Councillor
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 11:14 am | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
After sending councils into a sudden frenzy of forced marriage-like proposals, the Government this week deferred making decisions on council amalgamation until after the election. More >>
Ōtorohanga Mayor: Local Government Reform Delay ‘A Bit Like The Wahs’
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 9:53 am | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
Ōtorohanga Mayor Rodney Dow told Local Democracy Reporting the delay did not come as a surprise, and it had him comparing politics to rugby league. More >>
Gisborne Forestry Facilitator Hopeful Talks Will Conclude Ahead Of Schedule
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 9:28 am | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Forestry Minister Todd McClay appointed Doug Leeder to help reset the “fractured” relationship between foresters, iwi, Gisborne District Council and other stakeholders. More >>
Daylight Savings Prompts Warning Of Summer Weather Surprises
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 9:24 am | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Auckland Council’s emergency management general manager Adam Maggs said summer in Auckland this year was likely to bring windy, dry and unpredictable weather, due to the El Niño weather pattern. More >>
Tauranga Mayor 'Disappointed' As Govt Delays Reform Decisions
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 9:20 am | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Tauranga City Council spent more than $4600 on workshops and $48,000 on its community survey – $52,600, excluding GST. More >>
Wellington's Private Dog Park Can’t Lose Noise Restrictions
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 9:17 am | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The push to scrap noise rule R7, which limits commercial dog parks to operating between 7am and 7pm in the capital, emerged from what has become a bureaucratic labyrinth. More >>
Northland's $7m Tsunami Siren Network To Be Tested On Sunday
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 9:11 am | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
More than 90 outdoor Danish-designed tsunami sirens will sound once only across coastal communities, at 10am for up to two minutes, as part of the network's six-monthly testing programme. More >>
Reform Decision ‘Deeply Frustrating’ - Tanczos
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 9:07 am | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
In May, district and city councils were given three months to put together proposals to restructure into larger unitary councils with Cabinet due to decide this month whether to accept the proposals. More >>
Ngāti Rangi Blasts Horizons Over Complaints Process After Young Iwi Leader Cleared Of Conflict Concerns
Monday, 28 September 2026, 5:31 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Ngāti Rangi says Horizons Regional Council damaged both its relationship with the iwi and the reputation of one of its young leaders when it launched an investigation into councillor Elijah Pue. More >>
Iwi Want Early Say In South Taranaki Council Decisions
Monday, 28 September 2026, 5:26 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
He Pou Tikanga helps the council meet Local Government Act requirements to provide ways for Māori to contribute to decision-making. More >>
Iwi Want Early Say In South Taranaki Council Decisions
Monday, 28 September 2026, 5:20 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
He Pou Tikanga helps the council meet Local Government Act requirements to provide ways for Māori to contribute to decision-making. More >>
'Not Brave Enough': Rotorua Mayor Slams Government's 'Cruel' Reform Delay
Monday, 28 September 2026, 5:17 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
The government has put council merger plans on hold until after the election. More >>
'Bit Of A Betrayal': Southland Mayors Bemoan Amalgamation Delay
Monday, 28 September 2026, 5:10 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Campbell said there were contradictory elements in proposals around the country, including in Southland, but that was no surprise given the timeframe. More >>
Councils Faced 'Phenomenal Pressure' To Meet Merger Deadline, Only For Government To Ice Plans
Monday, 28 September 2026, 5:04 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The delay follows the coastal council spending $181,378 on consultancy fees during the three month proposal window - accounting for nearly half of the cost out of six Waikato councils. More >>
Ashburton’s 10% Rates Cap ‘Well Above’ Government Target, Minister Says
Monday, 28 September 2026, 4:59 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Local Government Minister Simon Watts said the transition approach was not inconsistent with his expectations, with each council responsible for determining its own pathway. More >>
Should Dogs Be Allowed At Cemeteries? Topic Divides Ashburton Council
Monday, 28 September 2026, 4:55 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Cr Carolyn Cameron said cemeteries should be preserved as quiet places for mourning and reflection, while Cr Julie Moffett argued leashed dogs should be welcomed, citing 70% support in consultation. More >>
Canterbury Regional Council Chair Speaks Out On Proposal To Debt Fund Planning Work
Monday, 28 September 2026, 4:48 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The forum had proposed that the regional council take on the debt and then collect contributions from the 10 local councils. More >>
North Canterbury Mayors Welcome Merger Pause Amid 'Sea Of Change'
Monday, 28 September 2026, 4:42 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Two North Canterbury mayors have welcome a pause in local government reform, while Kaikōura District Council is wants some more certainty as it looks north. More >>
