Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Local Democracy Reporting
Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.
Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 17]
Coast Council On Time And Back On Track After Audit
Friday, 3 October 2025, 5:53 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter
Scheduling elections during a key period when councils were trying to produce annual reports was poor form by whichever official in Wellington set the dates, Mr McGlinn said. More >>
Pasifika Candidate Wants To Light Up 'Dark Side' Of Huntly
Friday, 3 October 2025, 5:47 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Safety and basics first Stats NZ reports Huntly’s population was 8,232 at the 2023 Census. Sakaria says her campaign priorities focus on small but essential improvements, such as lighting and CCTV. More >>
$6m Spending Limit For Tasman Council Boss
Friday, 3 October 2025, 5:43 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
The council increased the limit from $1m at its final meeting of the term, despite some councillors' concerns about loopholes and the size of the limit. More >>
Empty Streets, Fewer Sales: Tauranga Businesses Hit By New Parking Rules
Friday, 3 October 2025, 5:11 pm | Alisha Evans - Local Democracy Reporter
Tauranga business cuts staff hours after paid parking hits sales. More >>
Inside Mayor School: Where New Leaders Learn How To Run A Council
Friday, 3 October 2025, 4:59 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
This year marks the 10th session of Mayor School, which began in 1998. More >>
Candidate Says Abuse Has Forced Them To Give Up Campaigning In Ruapehu Election
Friday, 3 October 2025, 4:56 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Ruapehu District Council has condemned the abuse and harassment of candidates standing in the local elections. More >>
Government Pushes Regional Councils To Ease Off Consent Rules
Friday, 3 October 2025, 4:33 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
The Government is pushing councils to ease the current consenting burden until the RMA replacement is made law. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop sent a letter to Environment Canterbury and other regional councils requesting they use “sensible ... More >>
Developer Turns Focus To North Canterbury
Thursday, 2 October 2025, 6:02 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury housing developments are set to take off, says Wānaka-based developer Infinity Investment Group. More >>
Still No Clarity On Govt SNA Policy For Coast Councils
Thursday, 2 October 2025, 5:59 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter
Grey District mayor Tania Gibson protested that the exercise cost the council a $1 million dollars last time and ratepayers could not afford that again. More >>
Waimakariri Council Says Quake Loan Being Paid Off
Thursday, 2 October 2025, 5:43 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Waimakariri District Council says claims by mayoral candidate Paul Williams that the council is not paying off its earthquake loan are false. More >>
Work To Begin On Rangiora Corner Site Soon
Thursday, 2 October 2025, 5:39 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Work on Rangiora's long-awaited BNZ corner site will begin soon. More >>
Havelock Residents Welcome End Of Boil Water Notice
Thursday, 2 October 2025, 5:36 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
The boil water notice was issued on July 16 after updated guidance from Taumata Arowai, and the council said at the time it would likely last until a new $14 million treatment plant opened in 2028. More >>
Rolleston 1080 Bait Factory Sold At A Loss
Thursday, 2 October 2025, 5:33 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter
The council bought the land and built the factory for $1.9 million in 2014, including $490,000 for a 49 percent shareholding in the lessee’s company, Pest Control Research Ltd. More >>
Tinui Pub’s Liquor Licence Extended After Opposition
Thursday, 2 October 2025, 5:26 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The pub’s on- and off-licence renewal applications were not opposed by police, the Medical Officer of Health, or the public. More >>
Ashburton And Selwyn Claim More Projects Getting Done On Time
Thursday, 2 October 2025, 5:20 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Carry-over money is from work that had been budgeted for but was either never started or not completed in the last financial year. More >>
Size Does Matter: Ashburton Venue Forecast To Lose Bigger Events
Thursday, 2 October 2025, 5:14 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Ashburton's EA Networks Centre enjoyed record visitation last year but is forecast to miss out hosting big events in future as neighbouring councils build bigger capacity indoor stadiums. More >>
Wrecking Ball Nears On Masterton Town Hall
Thursday, 2 October 2025, 5:04 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Design work for the replacement building would begin once demolition was completed. In the meantime, the site would be “activated” with temporary planting and furniture. More >>
Thousands Of Auckland Dog Owners Hit With Fines
Thursday, 2 October 2025, 4:16 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
The council has been cracking down on dog owners to register their dogs, or risk a fine or a day in court. More >>
‘Brink Of Collapse’: Anger And Confusion At Council’s New Pensioner Housing Partnership
Thursday, 2 October 2025, 11:36 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Residents at the Lucas Pl pensioner housing blocks face rental increases. More >>
Whanganui Mayor Regrets Speaking At Charlie Kirk Vigil After Backlash
Wednesday, 1 October 2025, 6:08 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Andrew Tripe says he knew little about the assassinated US activist's views when he spoke at the event. More >>
