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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 3]
‘Difficult Conversations Ahead’: Mayor Warns Rates Cap A Threat To Services
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 8:56 am | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
The Ruapehu council's Levels of Service Review will be undertaken in preparation for next year's new 10-year Long-Term Plan 2027-37, to understand which services can be sustained under tighter financial constraints. More >>
Add More Buses Before Setting $20 Fare Cap - ECan Chair
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 8:51 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Canterbury chairperson Dr Deon Swiggs says Labour's policy of a weekly $20 bus cap cap will save some commuters money, but investment in buses and infrastructure is more urgent. More >>
Fewer Than 3% Of Horizons Residents Submit On Council Reforms
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 8:42 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop told Local Democracy Reporting there was “broad dissatisfaction” with duplications and historic inefficiencies in local government he felt could be reduced through council reforms. More >>
Cost To Save Popular Hutt River Crossing More Than Doubles To At Least $12m
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 8:35 am | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The Hutt City Council had to demolish the old walkway for KiwiRail to replace the sleepers and rail on the rail bridge. More >>
Officials Weigh-In On Mackenzie’s Unsanctioned Council Meetings
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 8:31 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
A spokesperson for the Ombudsman said council business must be conducted in an “open, transparent, and democratically accountable manner” under the Local Government Act 2002. More >>
Portaloos Out In Masterton, School Closed
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 8:07 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Nelson was told by the council to close Lakeview School on Monday due to mass stormwater infiltration in the surrounding sewer network over the weekend. More >>
Unclaimed Boats At Porirua May Be Part Of Wider Cost Of Living Problem
Monday, 29 June 2026, 8:01 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Last week, Northland Regional Council’s harbourmaster’s office warned those planning to buy an ageing boat should think about the costs. More >>
Electric Bus Fleet Coming As Go Bus Loses Hawke’s Bay City Routes To Tranzit
Monday, 29 June 2026, 7:54 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
An electric bus fleet will be on the urban roads of Napier and Hastings around August 2027. More >>
South Wairarapa Helps Fund Wellington Music Centre
Monday, 29 June 2026, 7:41 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
It would be home to New Zealand’s first symphonic-sized specialist recording studios and cutting-edge facilities to support post-production for the film industry and live digital broadcasting. More >>
Mayor Doesn't Want Selwyn Cut Into Pieces For Council Mergers
Monday, 29 June 2026, 7:35 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon says Selwyn needs to be seen as one district that can't be split in the amalgamation discussions. More >>
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 >>
