Local Democracy Reporting

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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 27]

Answers Sought Over Māori Ward Profile Omission

Friday, 12 September 2025, 4:00 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

Three candidates were left out of the booklet: Keno, who is also running for the mayoralty; Maude Maxwell; and Linda Steel. More >>

Zero Rates Can Lead To Long Term Pain For Ratepayers - Former Mayors

Friday, 12 September 2025, 3:50 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Two former North Canterbury mayors say zero rates can cost more in the long run, while a retiring South Otago mayor says capping rates has proved costly for his ratepayers. More >>

New Advisory Group To Help Guide Destination Marlborough

Friday, 12 September 2025, 3:45 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter

Destination Marlborough general manager Tracey Green said the purpose of the Marlborough Destination Advisory Group (MDAG) was to “grow, connect and champion a sustainable Marlborough visitation sector”. More >>

Candidate Kuru Ketu: Communication Key For Ruapehu District Council

Friday, 12 September 2025, 3:08 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter

Ketu’s professional background is in environmental law, with seven years’ experience as an environmental litigator and lawyer and three years as an independent hearings commissioner. More >>

Five North Canterbury Candidates Battle For Two ECan Spots

Friday, 12 September 2025, 2:52 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Five candidates are standing in the North Canterbury / Ōpukepuke constituency for Environment Canterbury, including the two sitting councillors. More >>

'Green' Loan To Help Beachside Village At Risk Of Rising Seas

Friday, 12 September 2025, 2:48 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The Hurunui District Council has secured a $23.5m green loan to fund coastal retreat efforts. More >>

Ecan Explores Ways To Make Money From Land

Friday, 12 September 2025, 2:42 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Environment Canterbury is considering how it can leverage its landholdings to help fund flood protections. More >>

Southland Council Candidates Share Aspirations

Friday, 12 September 2025, 2:08 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter

Incumbent councillor Peter McDonald kicked the event off by telling those gathered his priorities were flood defence and local government re-organisation. More >>

South Wairarapa Māori Ward Error A ‘Serious Failure’

Friday, 12 September 2025, 2:03 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

Although apologies have been made to candidates Andrea Rutene and Whitu Karauna, they have labelled it a “serious failure of democratic process”. More >>

Mobile Ballot Boxes To Roll Out In Ōpōtiki

Friday, 12 September 2025, 1:58 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

The district has NZ Post boxes in Ōpōtiki, at the Te Kaha General Store, Te Kaha, Omaio Beach Store, Omaio and Waihau Bay Store. More >>

Rotorua Residents Grill Election Candidates At Connection Event

Friday, 12 September 2025, 1:53 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter

Constituents had the chance to ask candidates burning questions as voting opened. More >>

Young Offroaders Remove Almost 400 Tyres From Riverbank

Friday, 12 September 2025, 1:48 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter

A Hawke's Bay offroading club sick of being blamed for rubbish on riverbanks has embarked on a different kind of adventure. More >>

The Political Clout Of A Name In Auckland’s Local Body Elections

Thursday, 11 September 2025, 5:22 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter

Dr Edward Elder, an expert in political marketing and a professional teaching fellow at the University of Auckland, said Brown’s name was his biggest strength. More >>

Community Meeting Health Check Reveals Quirky Details

Thursday, 11 September 2025, 5:18 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter

The district council commissioned its first health check of the boards since 2021, and included the results in a recent meeting agenda. More >>

Council Boss: Māori Ward Election Blunder ‘Incredibly Disappointing’

Thursday, 11 September 2025, 5:14 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter

Voting papers delivered this week list the names of the five Māori ward candidates – Kiritahi Firmin, Julie Herewini, Geoff Hipango, Hayden Potaka and Phil (Bear) Reweti – but their official statements are missing from the candidate booklet sent ... More >>