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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 22]
Reform Costs Mounting For North Canterbury Councils
Thursday, 17 September 2026, 9:28 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Waimakariri District Council faced a hefty bill during local government reform process. More >>
'Basically No Option': Rural Parents Fear Kindergarten Closure
Wednesday, 16 September 2026, 7:25 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
The centre, at Whāngārā off State Highway 35 about 30 minutes north of Gisborne, will have 17 children enrolled at the beginning of next year. Twenty have to attend daily under ECE funding models. More >>
Waipu's 'Kamikaze Corner' Could Become $1M Roundabout
Wednesday, 16 September 2026, 7:20 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors will decide whether to approve an unbudgeted $100,000 for detailed design work on the roundabout, which is estimated to ultimately cost between $500,000 and $1 million. More >>
Safety Upgrades Aimed At Slowing Drivers On Popular Piha Road
Wednesday, 16 September 2026, 7:11 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Auckland Transport is looking into installing speed bumps and Share with Care signs at Glenesk Road, the only pedestrian access way to the popular Kitekite Falls attraction at the Waitākere Ranges. More >>
New Bus Service Aims To Ease Tourist Traffic In Tekapo
Wednesday, 16 September 2026, 7:02 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
Tekapo Bus Limited was founded by Matt Murphy, a Tekapo resident of 20 years and former Mackenzie District councillor, and will start its new service next month. More >>
Mount Maunganui Slip: Public Meeting To Be Held On Recovery Progress
Wednesday, 16 September 2026, 6:59 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
The community will hear from elected members and the project team, who will give an overview of findings from the recently completed Quantitative Landslide Risk Assessment (QLRA) on Mauao. More >>
‘Hoons’ Damage Section Of Feilding Cemetery
Wednesday, 16 September 2026, 6:56 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
Two youths were spoken to by the police that evening after being spotted in a nearby car, but there was “insufficient evidence to link them to the damage to the lawn”, the spokesperson said. More >>
Tolaga Bay Wharf Full Inspection Scheduled Amid Ongoing Structural Concerns
Wednesday, 16 September 2026, 6:53 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Tolaga Bay resident and Uawa Civil Defence area manager Greg Shelton said the community felt like “we’re kind of hitting our heads against a brick wall”. More >>
Petone Grandstand Faces Demolition Unless White Knight Emerges
Wednesday, 16 September 2026, 6:49 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Petone Recreational Ground’s earthquake-prone grandstand is going to be bowled over by Hutt City Council unless a white knight emerges by December. More >>
Reprieve Sought For Blocked Ambulance Bay In Masterton
Wednesday, 16 September 2026, 6:46 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The current no-stopping zone is 18 metres, but that would more than triple to 60.5m under the bylaw change. More >>
‘People Think That I Am Just A Pussycat’: Slink Skin Operator Goes Topless At Second Council Protest
Wednesday, 16 September 2026, 6:42 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
NZAgri Development Ltd director Eddie Zhi visited Environment Southland on Monday where he sat over a vehicle entrance and delivered an expletive-laden plea to the council. More >>
New Pan-Tribal Body Shines Light On Work For Taranaki Maunga And Beyond
Wednesday, 16 September 2026, 6:39 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
The Maunga redress law set up Te Tōpuni Ngārahu as a combined trust of the region’s eight iwi to care for the mountain and recognise tribal relationships with the ancestral peaks. More >>
Government Confirms 2% Cut To Greymouth Road Funding Assistance
Wednesday, 16 September 2026, 9:01 am | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
Greymouth Mayor Tania Gibson said today council will now have to consider how to respond to the reduced FAR through in its next 10-year Long Term Plan (LTP) in 2027. More >>
Napier Dogs Pawrade Through City, Woof Down Icecream
Tuesday, 15 September 2026, 4:59 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Dogs and their owners pawraded down a red carpet for the best-dressed dog competition, which was won by Caesar and owner Samantha. More >>
Waihī Locals Forced Onto Wrong Side Of Road As SH25 Deteriorates
Tuesday, 15 September 2026, 4:29 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Rapid road degradation on a section of State Highway 25 north of Waihī is forcing some locals to drive on the other side of the road. More >>
Southland Slink Skin Operator Protests At Council With Animal Carcasses
Tuesday, 15 September 2026, 4:14 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
A disgruntled slink skin operator who arrived at Invercargill council buildings with dead animals could be trespassed. More >>
Far North Executive To Head $1.4b Northland Water Company
Tuesday, 15 September 2026, 4:05 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
A Far North water sector professional has been appointed to lead Northland’s new water services company, which will manage about $1.4 billion in water assets across Te Tai Tokerau. More >>
Proposed Repair Plan Fails To Save Lower Hutt Community Lounge
Tuesday, 15 September 2026, 10:50 am | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Residents association chairperson James Scott said that councillors voted to demolish the lounge to save money but he was sad about the engagement. “There doesn't seem to be an interest in working with the community to try & find a solution,” he said More >>
Te Tai Hauāuru Candidates Blast Local Government Reforms
Tuesday, 15 September 2026, 10:23 am | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
About 100 voters filled Hāwera’s Senior Citizens Hall on Thursday night for a debate hosted by Climate Justice Taranaki. More >>
Public Excluded From Masterton Town Hall Vote
Tuesday, 15 September 2026, 10:19 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The agenda for a Masterton District Council meeting on Wednesday said the status of the project had shifted from green to amber and councillors would be voting on the direction of the rebuild in public exclusion. More >>
