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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 3]
Whakatāne Hits Pause On Joint Water Service Consultation
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 11:20 am | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Whakatāne, Rotorua Lakes, Kawerau and Ōpōtiki district councils are investigating a potential joint water services council controlled organisation (CCO) for the future delivery of drinking water, stormwater and wastewater services. More >>
Rural Canterbury Residents Seek End To Gravel Haulage Truck Nightmare
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 10:49 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Waimakariri District Council plans to meet with Environment Canterbury to find a more permanent solution to stop gravel haulage trucks using small, rural roads, following a presentation from residents. More >>
Gisborne Rates: Report Finds Residential Bills Relatively Affordable By Household Income
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 10:46 am | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
The Gisborne District Council-commissioned report assessed 2025/26 rates affordability for residential and non-residential ratepayers and compared Gisborne with 10 other districts. More >>
Post-Settlement Entity Invests In Gull Merger To Give Its Whānau 25c A Litre Off Fuel
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 10:11 am | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Tātau Tātau commercial chief executive Aayden Clarke said while they had a long-term investment approach, they were “always looking for things that can improve our people’s lives”. More >>
$30 Vape Sparks $2.5m Headache: Recycling Mistakes Cost Ratepayers
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 10:07 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
The sorting centre marked its reopening on Wednesday, 11 months after a discarded lithium-ion battery, believed to be from a vape, sparked a $2.5m fire that left the building structurally damaged. More >>
Rangiora's Failing Water Pipes Set For 'Once In A Generation' Overhaul
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 10:03 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Waimakariri District Council will replace water pipes and upgrade the watermain in Rangiora's High Street, following burst pipes in March last year and January this year. More >>
Vulnerable 114-Year-Old Bridge Into Martinborough Closing For Debris Removal
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 9:59 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The State Highway 53 Waihenga Bridge will be closed between 9am and 3pm on Thursday and Friday to allow crews with a long-reach digger to clear debris built up after heavy rain in late September. More >>
Businessman Questions Trespass Notice From Council He Donated $18K To
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 9:05 am | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
A council spokesperson said Da Cheng ‘Eddie’ Zhi displayed behaviour which was "offensive to our staff" and was trespassed from the building. More >>
'Kept The Faith In Kawerau': Tributes Unveiled For Two Community Champions
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 8:59 am | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Around 50 people gathered in Porritt Drive for the official renaming ceremony of the former Porritt Glade Lifestyle Village. More >>
Waikato District Council Records A $26.7m Operating Surplus For 2025/26
Thursday, 8 October 2026, 8:55 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The council had budgeted for a deficit of $5.8 million but ended 2025/26 with a $26.7 million operating surplus, a statement of comprehensive revenue in its annual report shows. More >>
Disc Golf Battle Brews At Rotorua Park
Wednesday, 7 October 2026, 6:45 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
"Mixed" feedback on proposed Centennial Park disc golf course. More >>
'Bland Sameness Everywhere': Fears Pāpāmoa Losing Its 'Heritage'
Wednesday, 7 October 2026, 6:41 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Pāpāmoa Residents and Ratepayers Association chairman Philip Brown said individual subdivisions were originally given distinctive lamp-post designs, which helped differentiate neighbourhoods. More >>
'Healing Starts With Coming Together': Papatoetoe Holds Vigil For Children And Father Found Dead
Wednesday, 7 October 2026, 6:34 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Neighbours, council facility staff, community leaders and emergency responders gathered in a Papatoetoe carpark on Monday for karakia and condolences. More >>
Mackenzie Council Supports Move To Sell Alpine Energy Shares
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 5:44 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
The proposal to divest Mackenzie District Council (MDC)'s 4.96% shareholding was presented by council corporate, commercial and planning general manager Murray Dickson last week. More >>
Lake Rotokākahi Court Battle Escalates As New Appeal Filed
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 5:38 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
The Rotokākahi Board of Control has gone to the Court of Appeal about the lack of remedies and, in a media release this week, chairman Wally Lee criticised the council’s decision to file a cross-appeal. More >>
How El Niño May Affect The Waikato’s Agriculture Sector
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 5:34 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The weather pattern is forecast to increase the risk of drought, wildfires and heat-related human/animal health concerns, according to industry experts. More >>
'High Risk' Parts Of The Historic Village To Close During Heavy Rain
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 5:30 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
The high-risk zone covers areas with steep slopes, evidence of instability, uncontrolled fill, seepage, and/or structural retaining elements showing movement. More >>
Repairs Start This Month On Historic, Long-Closed Petone Wharf
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 5:26 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Weakened by tidal worms, the century-old wharf had been closed since 2021 because of earthquake and storm damage. More >>
Independent Review Into Council's Failed Flight School Begins
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 5:01 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Mayor Andrew Tripe said an independent review was necessary to establish a clear record of what occurred. More >>
Kaikōura Tourism Bounces Back After July Flood
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 4:54 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Kaikōura tourism operators are ready for a busy summer, as the region recovers from the July flood event. More >>
