Local Democracy Reporting

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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 2]

Kaikōura's Three Seats 'Not Tenable Long-term' - Marlborough Councillor

Thursday, 13 August 2026, 3:27 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter

Councillor John Hyndman said while he was happy for Kaikōura to have three councillors for now, it was “not tenable long-term”. “8% of the population can't have 17.5% of the voting power. I think we've got to sort this out before mid 2030,” he said. More >>

ECan Report Card Described As 'Stellar'

Thursday, 13 August 2026, 3:21 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Environment Canterbury staff have updated councillors on the progress of council's 2025/26 annual report. More >>

Canterbury Town May Finally Get A Bus Service

Thursday, 13 August 2026, 3:17 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

A North Canterbury-based bus company is negotiation with Environment Canterbury to run a bus service between Amberley and Christchurch. More >>

Late Arrival Sparked Fears For Kaikōura's Dotterels

Thursday, 13 August 2026, 3:13 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Banded dotterels have been late returning home to nest along Kaikōura's coastline, amid last month's flood event and fears over avian bird flu. More >>

North Canterbury Schools Set To Light Up On Solar Power

Thursday, 13 August 2026, 3:08 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Six North Canterbury schools have been included in the Government's $30m solar on schools programme. More >>

The Council Decision That Passed In ‘0.012 Seconds’

Thursday, 13 August 2026, 2:46 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter

Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams said his council's decision to stick with FPP took “0.012 seconds”, but he was far less impressed by the Government's stance on providing relief from requirements that could become redundant through amalgamation. More >>

Marlborough Artists In Limbo As Region Loses Control Of Arts Funding

Thursday, 13 August 2026, 12:39 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter

Mayor Nadine Taylor wrote to local MP Stuart Smith expressing “deep disappointment” in the decision and spoke against decision-making for Marlborough coming out Nelson. More >>

Kaikōura's Three Seats 'Not Tenable Long-term' - Marlborough Councillor

Thursday, 13 August 2026, 12:24 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter

Councillor David Croad voiced concern about having the council so unbalanced for two terms. “We need to be thinking about right-sizing the governance structure for Marlborough,” he said. More >>

Pacific Aucklanders Missing Out On Council Opportunities

Thursday, 13 August 2026, 9:25 am | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter

The Pacific Peoples Advisory Panel is calling for better access to council grants and procurement, support for Pacific businesses and greater participation in local democracy. More >>

Rotorua Seeks Four-Week Extension After Head Start Proposal Falls Apart

Thursday, 13 August 2026, 9:20 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter

Rotorua wants four weeks to salvage Head Start reform bid after a regional plan collapsed. More >>

The Councillor Who Stood Alone Against Merger Deal

Thursday, 13 August 2026, 8:50 am | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

Ōpōtiki District Council voted last week to approve an outline Head Start proposal for an Eastern Bay unitary council, alongside Whakatāne and Kawerau district councils. More >>

'More Than Disappointing; It’s Frustrating': Tairāwhiti Erosion Plan Rejected

Thursday, 13 August 2026, 8:46 am | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter

In December last year, Gisborne District Council applied for an exemption from the halt on council plan changes under the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025. More >>

Ōtorohanga, Waitomo Mayors Push King Country Council Plan At Parliament

Thursday, 13 August 2026, 8:29 am | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter

Ōtorohanga District Mayor Rodney Dow, Waitomo Mayor John Robertson, & council representatives met with Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson last week to show the Government that their councils and residents supported the potential amalgamation. More >>

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