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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 3]
‘It’s Devastating’: Generations-Old Eel Population Wiped Out In Wairoa Stream
Thursday, 15 January 2026, 5:39 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Hundreds of tuna (eels), including breeding stock thought to be 40 to 50 years old, have been found dead in the Waiatai Stream. More >>
Kaikōura 'Absolutely Pumping' With Summer Visitors
Thursday, 15 January 2026, 4:12 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Kaikōura is experiencing its busiest summer in years, with strong numbers of international and domestic travellers. More >>
Kaiapoi Principal Steps Up As National President
Thursday, 15 January 2026, 4:07 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Jason Miles is taking two years leave as Kaiapoi North School principal to serve as New Zealand Principals' Federation president. More >>
One Children's Author Sweeps Gisborne's Most-Borrowed Books List
Wednesday, 14 January 2026, 5:45 pm | Zita Campbell - Local Democracy Reporter
Dav Pilkey wrote all five of Gisborne's most-borrowed library books last year. More >>
Council Opens Door To Private Management Of Rotorua Night Market
Wednesday, 14 January 2026, 3:13 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
It's the latest potential shift for the long-running Thursday event. More >>
Funding Fears For Fragile Road To Cape Palliser
Wednesday, 14 January 2026, 2:58 pm | Sue Teodoro - Local Democracy Reporter
Funding for the popular road along Wairarapa's south coast to Ngawi and Cape Palliser is changing, with locals anxious to ensure the vulnerable route is future-proofed. More >>
Poripori Waterhole Tragedy: Second Water Death In Two Summers
Tuesday, 13 January 2026, 5:35 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Signs in the area warn of drowning risks due to water flows released from the Lake McLaren dam upstream. More >>
Fight To Save Tourist Route From The Sea
Tuesday, 13 January 2026, 11:52 am | Sue Teodoro - Local Democracy Reporter
The road to Cape Palliser risks being reclaimed by the sea, with the community and the council seeking a permanent fix. More >>
Neighbour Of Rotorua Parolee Facility Speaks Out As Rehab Programme Faces Next Location Battle
Friday, 9 January 2026, 3:09 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Lauren Fraser says she now avoids spending time in her family home. More >>
Island Recycling Centre Rebuilt And Booming After Blaze
Friday, 9 January 2026, 3:07 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
A blaze in December 2024 at the Aotea Community Recycling Centre damaged most of the contents of the Anamata shop, its main shed and the solar power system. More >>
Open Fires, Dogs And Loud Music Are Biggest Headaches At Regional Parks
Friday, 9 January 2026, 3:05 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Visitors to Auckland's regional parks are being urged to plan properly. More >>
Ōhope Beach Golf Club Creates Positive Legacy From Destructive Mistake
Thursday, 8 January 2026, 5:06 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
The club has planted 120 native trees and shrubs, turning a mistake in 2023 into an opportunity to enhance the area for future generations. More >>
New Home For Rare Skinks Takes Shape On Napier’s Marine Parade
Thursday, 8 January 2026, 4:33 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Experts are relocating the skinks to make way for a $37.4 million stormwater infrastructure project between Maraenui and Te Awa. More >>
Swampy To The Rescue: Swimming Excavator Dredges Blenheim River
Wednesday, 7 January 2026, 3:47 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
An amphibious excavator has begun dredging the pop-up garden patch growing out of a river in central Blenheim. More >>
Wipes And Rocks Wreak Havoc On Tasman’s Wastewater
Wednesday, 7 January 2026, 3:44 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
While the problem of flushed wet wipes in Tasman's wastewater system has not gone away, rocks are driving this year's cost increase for clearing wastewater blockages. More >>
Action On Marlborough Sounds Parchment Worm ‘in The Too-Hard Basket’
Tuesday, 6 January 2026, 11:47 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
An environmental group calling for control of parchment worm in the Marlborough Sounds has criticised the Marlborough District Council for years of inaction. More >>
Hastings Council's Plea To Thieves - Return Our 'Much-Loved' Turtles
Tuesday, 6 January 2026, 11:45 am | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Several prized reptiles have been taken from a park enclosure, and police are getting involved. More >>
High-Risk Intersection Near Havelock North To Get $2.7m Roundabout Upgrade
Tuesday, 6 January 2026, 11:42 am | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
An average of around 6500 vehicles used the intersection daily, with heavy vehicles making up about 12 percent of the traffic. More >>
Wood Seller Urges Crackdown Over 'Firewood Cowboys' On Facebook
Friday, 2 January 2026, 3:37 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Woodstocks Firewood merchant owner John Caulton is calling for action from Inland Revenue and urging Hawke's Bay councils to bring back a registration scheme that had helped prevent "firewood cowboys" from profiting. More >>
The Tragic Story Behind Hawke’s Bay’s Blossom Spot
Friday, 2 January 2026, 3:15 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
The Pakowhai Rd site is near the scene of a fatal car crash on the Chesterhope Bridge in 1998. More >>
