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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 3]
Pegasus Flying Fox Plans On Hold, But Greenlight For Dodgeball
Monday, 21 September 2026, 4:27 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
A proposal to establish a flying fox in Pegasus have been shelved until a suitable location can be found. More >>
Dog Trainer Told She Needs Concession For Park She Had Used For Years
Monday, 21 September 2026, 4:21 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Mandy Wood says she is relieved to have a way to return to Donovan Park, after previously being told she could not use it and might face fines if she tried. More >>
Hastings Council Ends Year With Debt $55.3M Below Budget
Monday, 21 September 2026, 4:17 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Mayor Wendy Schollum said the results showed the council had managed its budgets carefully while continuing to invest in essential infrastructure and recovery work. More >>
Hastings Residents Seek Review Of Kāinga Ora Development: ‘Like Sardines In A Tin’
Monday, 21 September 2026, 3:20 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Russell said the group was not opposed to development. Kāinga Ora’s initial plan for the area was for a 32-home development across two sites, but this has been scaled back due to the group’s concerns. More >>
Whangārei's Beach Driving Ban Showdown Heads To Hearing Next Week
Monday, 21 September 2026, 2:26 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
The council’s plans to close this part of Uretiti Beach to vehicles under the proposed Vehicles on Beaches Bylaw have drawn support and criticism. More >>
Controversial Ruakākā Ocean Sewage Pipeline Moves Closer
Monday, 21 September 2026, 2:17 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
The proposal would see treated wastewater from a planned new Ruakākā wastewater treatment plant at Rama Road near Marsden Point discharged into the ocean. More >>
'Oh, I'm Out Too': Six Marlborough Councillors Declare Conflicts Of Interest In Funding Round
Monday, 21 September 2026, 2:13 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
Six of Marlborough’s 15 councillors have been forced to leave the council chamber due to conflicts of interest ahead of discussing community group grants. More >>
Strengthening El Niño Starting To Be Felt Across Northland - Regional Council
Monday, 21 September 2026, 2:10 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
El Niño conditions strengthened considerably during August and have shown the strongest warming trend on record, with impacts on Northland's weather patterns already beginning to emerge, the report said. More >>
Wellington Mayor Blasts Museum's 'Mish-Mash, Hodgepodge' Displays
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:33 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Estimates from earlier this month showed the entire project could cost $15m, including expenses to move out from The Bond Store. More >>
Tairāwhiti Visitor Spending Rises Despite 9% Fall In Visitor Days
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:30 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Visitor days from the United States and Canada increased 29%, while those from Asian countries excluding China, Japan and South Korea, increased 22%. More >>
Wairarapa Farmers Brace For Big Dry Spell
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:25 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
GWRC director for knowledge and insights Dave Hipkins said the current forecast indicated “it’s going to be one of the strongest events on record” and the highest drought risk was expected this summer. More >>
New Plymouth Council Staff Told Off For Lack Of Kōrero On Revamp
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:22 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
The council’s Future Local Government programme director Helen Gray admitted the shortfall to Te Huinga Taumatua – the iwi advisory committee. More >>
Council Hits The Accelerator On Rolleston Ring-Road Roundabout
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:18 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Head of capital works David Spriggs said the request was about going to the market to get tenders, not awarding a contract, and signalling the money would be available to make a stronger push for co-funding. More >>
Ashburton Council Eyes 10% Rates Cap Ahead Of Government's 4% Limit
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:14 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Ashburton Mayor Liz McMillan says the council is looking at a sliding scale of rates caps in its long-term plan, which sets out its budget and priorities for 2027-37. More >>
Fixing Historic, Contentious Petone Wharf One Step Closer
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:11 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The council long-term plan set aside $12m to either repair or demolish the wharf. Strengthening the entire wharf was estimated to cost more than $14m and demolishing it was expected to cost $6m. More >>
Cool Weather Delaying Work On Ōpōtiki's Matekerepu Bridge
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:08 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Mayor David Moore said the road was not the responsibility of the council as it is part of New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi's state highway system. More >>
Whanganui Councillors Encouraged To Be Intentional With Pronunciation During Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:06 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Māori ward councillor Julie Herewini raised the importance of correctly pronouncing Whanganui at Tuesday’s district council meeting, as councillors discussed an update to the Strategy for Whanganui. More >>
DOC Working To Reopen West Coast Cave For Visitors
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:03 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
DOC principal ranger for Buller, Ross Thomas, said they were awaiting West Coast Regional Council approval after filing a consent application in the past couple of weeks. More >>
Lifelong Interest In Astronomy Leads To Dark Sky Venture
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 4:59 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
As the Kaikōura community marks two years since obtaining international dark sky sanctuary status, one of the proponents who worked tirelessly to promote the night sky has launched a new astrotourism business. More >>
Barefoot Bandit: Why This Train Enthusiast Goes Shoeless
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 4:56 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Wayne Clark is known for driving his engines barefoot, but it’s not just on the engine that Clark ditches his shoes. More >>
