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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 24]
Napier Mayor On His Rocky Start, And Finding His Rhythm
Monday, 29 June 2026, 7:33 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Napier City Council Mayor Richard McGrath reflects on his eight months in office. More >>
Sports Groups Oppose 24/7 Access Plan For New Public Loos
Monday, 29 June 2026, 6:50 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Western Bay of Plenty District Council staff recommended the toilets be open 24/7 to maximise the public money being spent on them. More >>
ECan Moves To Fix 'unintended Consequences' In Planning Rules
Monday, 29 June 2026, 6:44 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Canterbury will notify a plan change to resolve issues in its freshwater planning arising from a Supreme Court ruling in 2023, after gaining a planning exemption. More >>
Mayor To Oppose Major Housing Development If It's Fast-tracked
Monday, 29 June 2026, 6:40 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Carter Group has informed the Waimakariri District Council it plans to make an application under the Fast-track approvals process for its proposed 850-home development at Ōhoka, near Kaiapoi. More >>
ECan Needs To Do More For Environment - Councillors
Monday, 29 June 2026, 6:37 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment has adopted its 2026/27 annual plan, confirming a 2.4% rate rates, but several councillors want to do more to protect the environment. More >>
Toxic Workplace: Black Mould, Compliance Issues Spell $500,000 Fix For Thames-Coromandel Admin Buildings
Monday, 29 June 2026, 6:34 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The building’s fire alarm systems, evacuation systems and fire related construction create “life safety and statutory compliance risk”, the council agenda read, with multiple spaces also lacking fresh air supply. More >>
Concerns As Traffic Measures Being Moved In Masterton CBD
Monday, 29 June 2026, 6:18 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Parts of Queen St have been pedestrian access only since March as work was being done, marked by a multitude of traffic cones, fencing, and ramps. More >>
Could These Hawke’s Bay Treasures Lose Safeguards Under Law Change?
Monday, 29 June 2026, 6:14 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced in August 2025 plans to amend the Conservation Act. More >>
Mussel Company Fined After Dozens Of Foul Odour Complaints
Monday, 29 June 2026, 6:08 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
The company, which employs over 200 full-time staff in Ōpōtiki, pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to charges laid by Bay of Plenty Regional Council. More >>
Taupō And South Waikato Councils Prefer Consultations Over Marriage Proposals
Monday, 29 June 2026, 6:02 pm | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
Councils have the opportunity to get a “head start” through submitting an amalgamation proposal with two or more councils by August 9. More >>
Stewart Island Hit By Another Power Price Hike
Monday, 29 June 2026, 5:44 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
District council and community board appointee for Rakiura Jon Spraggon said both the board and community realised the price had to go up. More >>
World-First Underwater Caulerpa Seaweed-Eating Machine Launches In Bay Of Islands
Monday, 29 June 2026, 5:27 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
The Northland-made ROV is a tethered robotic submersible controlled by operators on the surface, allowing large-scale caulerpa removal to be carried out underwater without divers. More >>
Boost For North Canterbury School 'Bulging At The Seams'
Monday, 29 June 2026, 5:15 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Amuri Area School in Culverden is finally set to receive some new classrooms, after funding was cancelled two years ago. More >>
Government's Housing Incentives Come Up Short - Waimakariri Councillor
Monday, 29 June 2026, 5:12 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
A Waimakariri district councillor says the Government's incentives for growth doesn't go far enough. More >>
Lifeline For Small Canterbury Community's Postal Services As End Date Delayed
Monday, 29 June 2026, 4:58 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Waikuku Beach in North Canterbury has had its postal services extended until August 31. More >>
Film Funding Battle 2: Waikato Screen Gains Another Backer Amid Unknown Future
Monday, 29 June 2026, 4:55 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Waikato Screen figures showed a 76:1 dollar return on investment to Matamata-Piako. More >>
Council Crossroads: Kaikōura Sets Deadline For Selecting Partner
Monday, 29 June 2026, 4:34 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaikōura District Council will decide by July 8 which council(s) it plans to prepare a HeadStart proposal with. More >>
Rate Rises Across Southland Less Than Expected
Monday, 29 June 2026, 4:30 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Invercargill City Council led the charge on Tuesday when it ushered in an average rise of 7.03% — higher than a March position but less than the 8.43% forecast in its long term plan. More >>
Regional Councillors Stick To Path Despite Mayors’ Plea
Monday, 29 June 2026, 4:28 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Tauranga councillor Tim Maltby joined Shirley in voting against adopting the amendment, saying councillors couldn’t ignore all the territorial authorities in the Bay of Plenty. More >>
Kaikōura Settles On 6.3% Rate Rise
Monday, 29 June 2026, 4:27 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaikōura District Council has adopted its annual plan, with an average rate rise of 6.3% - or 3.8% without water services. More >>
