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 18]
Fauono Ken Laban's Historic Win Ushers In New Zealand’s Potentially Most Diverse Council
Tuesday, 14 October 2025, 5:51 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
The long-time broadcaster and community advocate says his victory in Lower Hutt reflects the generations of Pacific migrants who worked hard, served others, and built the foundation for today’s leadership. More >>
New ECan Councillor Hopes To Bring People Together
Tuesday, 14 October 2025, 5:40 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
John Faulkner, a Culverden dairy farmer, has been elected to the Canterbury Regional Council. More >>
Top-Polling Grey Candidate Appeals For Online Civility
Tuesday, 14 October 2025, 5:26 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter
Peter Davy topped the list of seven councillors with 847 votes, in an election that saw Mayor Tania Gibson re-elected in a landslide victory over her only rival, the Money Free Party candidate Richard Osmaston. More >>
‘Grateful And Proud’: Henare O’Keefe Back Serving Flaxmere Community
Tuesday, 14 October 2025, 5:21 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
O’Keefe won the Flaxmere Ward seat from incumbent first-term councillor Henry Heke by 139 votes and is looking forward to returning to the council decision-making table. More >>
Increased Vote Count Strengthens Pacific Representation In South Auckland
Tuesday, 14 October 2025, 5:17 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Thousands more votes have been counted in the Auckland local elections, affecting the outcomes of several closely contested races. More >>
Consultation Opens For Fortnightly Rubbish Trial
Monday, 13 October 2025, 8:42 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Auckland Council’s waste solutions general manager Justine Haves said feedback from residents will be important in helping elected members decide whether the trial goes ahead. More >>
Whakatāne Votes For Nandor Tanczos's ‘Nice-To-Have' Approach
Monday, 13 October 2025, 8:40 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
With only special votes still to be counted, Mr Tanczos is sitting 96 votes ahead of Luca for the mayoralty. More >>
Benjamin Stace Wins Final Marlborough Council Seat By 29 Votes
Monday, 13 October 2025, 8:35 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
The architectural designer had campaigned on a platform that prioritised infrastructure, parking, town planning, and improving council processes. More >>
'Pretty Cool': Mackle Wins Third Term In Kaikōura
Monday, 13 October 2025, 8:31 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Craig Mackle has won a third term as Kaikōura mayor. More >>
Gordon Wins Third Term In Waimakariri
Monday, 13 October 2025, 8:29 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon is back for a third term. More >>
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith's Priorities After 'Terrible Year'
Monday, 13 October 2025, 8:26 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
There will be just three newcomers to the Nelson City Council as all the incumbents, including mayor Nick Smith, have retained their seats. More >>
Wendy Schollum The New Hastings Mayor As Last-minute Voters Extend Her Lead
Monday, 13 October 2025, 8:21 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
The voter return in Hastings was 44.71% of the electoral role. Depending on the counting progress, the final results are anticipated to be available by Thursday, October 16. More >>
Hurunui's Mayor Had Already Won, But That Didn't Stop The Nerves
Monday, 13 October 2025, 8:17 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The architectural designer had campaigned on a platform that prioritised infrastructure, parking, town planning, and improving council processes. More >>
Reform Ticket Fails To Make Dent On West Coast Regional Council
Monday, 13 October 2025, 8:05 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter
Allan Birchfield is the only Reform candidate elected to West Coast Regional Council, based on progress results. More >>
Frustrations Mount Over Kutarere Water Plant
Monday, 13 October 2025, 8:03 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
The board is also concerned about how much they will be charged for monitoring of the system when the five-year period ends. More >>
Park Paths Impassable Four Days After Rain
Monday, 13 October 2025, 7:55 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
The last time Whakatāne experienced heavy rain, in early September, Whakatāne resident Des McClure says it took four days before he could cross the park. More >>
Chip Seal Ordeal: Pāpāmoa Road Noise 'Unbearable' And 'Constant'
Monday, 13 October 2025, 7:52 pm | Alisha Evans - Local Democracy Reporter
Tauranga residents say Pāpāmoa Beach Rd traffic noise ‘unbearable'. More >>
Southland Mayor Rob Scott Secures Second Term
Monday, 13 October 2025, 7:47 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
The win is resounding compared to the 2022 election, when Scott beat Geoffrey Young by just 39 votes and then-mayor Tong by 45 votes. More >>
‘It Was Worth It’: After Online Abuse And Tough Years, Tania Tapsell Wins Rotorua Landslide
Monday, 13 October 2025, 7:44 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Tapsell said she is ready to lead Rotorua again after a "challenging" first term. More >>
'Delighted': Campbell On Track To Win Invercargill
Monday, 13 October 2025, 7:39 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Progress results have all Invercargill councillors who sought re-election returning, plus the arrival of Marcus Lush, Ian Reeves and Lisa Tou McNaughton. More >>
