Local Democracy Reporting

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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 22]

Rotorua Night Market Move To Kuirau Park Sparks Hospitality Backlash

Sunday, 5 October 2025, 8:41 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter

Rotorua Night Market's trial shift to Kuirau Park is opposed by two long-standing backers. More >>

Kaipara Topping Leaderboard In Northland's Local Election Turnout

Sunday, 5 October 2025, 8:37 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter

About a quarter of Northland’s [133,713] local election voters have already had their say ahead of next week’s October 11 vote deadline. Latest figures, published on Thursday October 2, showed 32,750 Northlanders had cast their local ... More >>

Council Approves New Rules For Gisborne’s Mobile Traders

Sunday, 5 October 2025, 8:30 pm | Zita Campbell - Local Democracy Reporter

Vendors must now apply 20 working days before starting to trade. More >>

What Do Invercargill Councillors Get Up To Outside Of Work?

Sunday, 5 October 2025, 8:25 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter

Although the council maintained the register, it did not notify members if they failed to make a return, made a mistake, or left something off. More >>

Alcohol Ban Extended At Nelson Sportsground

Friday, 3 October 2025, 6:29 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter

Police requested the changes at Trafalgar Park following ongoing disorder in the area that was worsened by alcohol. More >>

High Turnout From Marlborough Voters So Far

Friday, 3 October 2025, 6:24 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter

The voting papers were regularly collected from the bins and sent to Electionz.com’s facility in Christchurch where they were opened, scanned, and uploaded to a secure database, Heiford said. More >>

Ashburton Council Embraces Māori Name For Art Gallery And Museum

Friday, 3 October 2025, 6:21 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

The Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum will be rebranded as Rokowhiria, but if it is a full name change is yet to be decided. More >>

Steady Voter Returns So Far In Ashburton And Selwyn

Friday, 3 October 2025, 6:13 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

With one week of voting left, Ashburton is on target to reach 50% while the Selwyn is forecast to eclipse the turnout of the last three elections. More >>

$25m Water Storage Project A Step Closer

Friday, 3 October 2025, 6:09 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

Carterton Mayor Ron Mark said the project would form the foundation of a strategic piece of infrastructure designed to boost water resilience and unlock economic potential across Wairarapa. More >>

Seymour: Don't Sacrifice Blenheim To War On Cars

Friday, 3 October 2025, 6:05 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter

A small group protesting that refusal, including Blenheim ward candidate Aimee Payne, had staged themselves outside the event, and at times their chanting could be heard from inside. More >>

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 >>