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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 2]
Youth, Elderly Among ‘Collateral Damage’ Of Voting Rights Change - Mayor
Thursday, 11 June 2026, 9:52 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
Local Government Minister Simon Watts last week announced a last-minute change to the Local Government (System Improvements) Bill, restricting voting rights on council committees to elected members only. More >>
Kaikōura Locals Unite For 'Magical Stretch' Of Whale Trail
Thursday, 11 June 2026, 9:45 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Community support has secured the extra funding needed to build three cycle / food bridges on the Kaikōura section of The Whale Trail. More >>
No Windfall For Kaikōura From Budget
Thursday, 11 June 2026, 9:40 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaikōura District Council is not expecting a big financial windfall, following last month's Budget announcement. More >>
Storm Recovery Expected To Cost $28.6m In Western Bay
Thursday, 11 June 2026, 9:29 am | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
The Western Bay of Plenty District Council has released its recovery plan, aiming to guide the next phase of this work and better prepare for future severe weather events. More >>
Plan To Save Closed Lower Hutt Conservatory Falls Through
Thursday, 11 June 2026, 8:32 am | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
A council spokesperson said the observatory would be knocked down and replaced with “low-maintenance”, “low-cost” landscape features. More >>
‘Potentially Devastating’: Fast-Track Bid Sparks Fears For Lake Pukaki
Thursday, 11 June 2026, 8:26 am | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
The proposal, filed in April, sought access to Lake Pukaki’s contingent storage, drawing water up to five metres below its permitted level over three years. More >>
Invercargill Pump Station Issues Discussed In Private
Thursday, 11 June 2026, 8:20 am | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
On 27 May, Environment Southland went behind closed doors at a committee meeting to discuss “issues and associated resolution actions” relating to the Stead Street Pump Station. More >>
'We Need To Make Sure We Have A Strong Voice': Amber Craig Joins Wairarapa Race For GWRC
Thursday, 11 June 2026, 7:50 am | Sue Teodoro - Local Democracy Reporter
Amber Craig, of Kahungunu, Rangitāne o Wairarapa, Muaūpoko, and Ngāi Tara descent, was persuaded to stand by her whanau and other community members. More >>
‘We Can’t Afford To Get This Wrong’: Booktown Chief To Run For Council
Thursday, 11 June 2026, 7:44 am | Sue Teodoro - Local Democracy Reporter
Peter Biggs, founder of Wairarapa’s iconic Featherston Booktown Festival, has announced his candidacy for the upcoming council by-election. More >>
'Sold Off Like A Bride To Some Groom': Manawatū Opposes Council Amalgamations
Thursday, 11 June 2026, 7:38 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
Rural ward councillor Rob Duindam said he personally felt the ongoing reforms were the “ultimate corporatisation of local government” and such an approach was “taking the whole idea of community out of local decision-making.” More >>
Grab Your Partner: Ashburton Reveals Eight Merger Options
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 9:36 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Ashburton Mayor Liz McMillan said councillors will be considering a report on the region's options, alongside the results of an online survey about the reform process that had 371 responses. More >>
'Not Helpful': Selwyn Mayor Rejects Tolling Talk Amid Merger Debate
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 9:31 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon wants the focus to be on what is the best proposal for Canterbury, not councillors from neighbouring districts getting into slanging matches over tolls. More >>
Mackenzie Residents To Have Their Say On Council's Future
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 9:26 am | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
Meetings would be held at Twizel's Event Centre on Monday June 15, Lake Tekapo Community Hall on Wednesday June 17, and Fairlie’s Community Centre on Thursday June 18, each running from 6pm to 8pm. More >>
'Hand In The Glove': Mayor Calls For Rural And Urban To Work Together
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 9:14 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury's three councils are seeking feedback from their communities on options for local government reform More >>
Roomy And Warm: New Homes For Kaiapoi's Older Residents
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 9:10 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Waimakariri District Council has opened 20 new older persons' residents in Kaiapoi to address a growing demand for affordable housing. More >>
Funding Sought For Waikato's New $4.5b Energy Strategy
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 9:06 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Principal strategic advisor Blair Dickie said the council will require external funding to push the strategy forward, comparing bringing different parties together as a “jigsaw puzzle”. More >>
'Hand In The Glove': Mayor Calls For Rural And Urban To Work Together-Update
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 9:00 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Update on North Canterbury's three councils seeking feedback from their communities on options for local government reform. More >>
'Solving A Rubik's Cube Blindfolded': Rotorua Councillors Doubt Reforms
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 8:55 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Rotorua Lakes Council to keep exploring Head Start reform options, but councillors sceptical. More >>
Mum Wins Fight For Memorial Bench At Beach Where Her Son Was Found Dead
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 8:49 am | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Her request was initially turned down by local board staff earlier this year, who told her personal memorials at parks were only considered for people who had made a memorable contribution to the community. More >>
'Hunger Games': Why A Councillor Fears She'll Lose Her Seat
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 8:43 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Nelson councillor Lisa Austin says she could be dismissed during a confidential vote on Thursday. More >>
