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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 32]
Reform Overload: Mayors Hope For More Clarity Post-Election
Thursday, 13 August 2026, 8:17 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Canterbury council leaders want more clarity on the multitude of Government reforms, including whether a new Government would restart the process. More >>
Youth Job Programme Limits Help To 12 Weeks
Thursday, 13 August 2026, 8:12 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaikōura and Hurunui Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs programme fear a tightening of the rules will make it tougher to support young jobseekers. More >>
Relief As Ohakune Water Supply Is Restored
Wednesday, 12 August 2026, 4:47 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Civil Defence controller Vini Dutra said restoration was a major relief after the five-day disruption. More >>
Beers Back On Tap At Wairarapa Country Pub
Wednesday, 12 August 2026, 4:40 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The pub had been dry since the start of the year, after losing its licences under previous operators due to repeated breaches of alcohol regulations. More >>
'We're One Of The Heartbeats In This Community': Otago Polyfest Misses Out On Funding
Wednesday, 12 August 2026, 1:59 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Festival organisers say the decision raises questions about how cultural and social value is considered when arts funding is distributed. More >>
Rotorua Pensioner Housing: 18 Lucas Pl Residents Face Possible Relocation
Wednesday, 12 August 2026, 9:06 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Lucas Pl residents face possible relocation as council redevelopment plans advance. The council says the 18 affected residents will be offered alternative accommodation at its other pensioner housing sites. More >>
Residents Oppose Luxury Auckland Island's Waste Facility
Wednesday, 12 August 2026, 8:57 am | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Sandspit Residents and Ratepayer Association’s Greg Doherty said the temporary waste enclosure was only intended to last three to five years, and has now exceeded its lifespan, operating without a resource consent. More >>
‘It Is Staggering’: Councillor Takes Aim At Contractor Over Ohakune Water Emergency
Wednesday, 12 August 2026, 8:52 am | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
“It is staggering that a critical break in the raw water line went unnoticed by Veolia after the earthquake,” says Ruapehu councillor John Chapman. More >>
Kawerau Weighs Up Cost Of Cutting Highway Speed
Wednesday, 12 August 2026, 8:45 am | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Mayor Faylene Tunui said there had been conversations in the community for some time about whether to consider lowering the speed limit as new roads were built and new industries grew up along the highway. More >>
Tauranga City Council Submits Head Start Reform Proposal Despite Western Bay Rejection
Wednesday, 12 August 2026, 8:41 am | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Tauranga’s bid to create a Western Bay of Plenty unitary authority is among 18 Head Start submissions being assessed by officials, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts said in a statement today. More >>
‘Our Home Too’ – Students Describe How Storms Impact Their Lives
Wednesday, 12 August 2026, 8:31 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Students across Nelson Tasman who are already feeling the impacts of climate change want to make sure they remain informed and at the table. More >>
Popular Nelson Track To Be Fixed, But It's Not Expected To Last
Wednesday, 12 August 2026, 8:25 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Up to $700,000 will be spent on the walkway, with the understanding that it will need repair again in the future. More >>
‘Thrilling’: Young Kiwi Sighting A Milestone For Iwi Restoration Efforts
Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 2:26 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in Waikato and the iwi Ngāti Koroki Kahukura began the translocation programme in March. More >>
Flood River Shingle To Fill In Kaikōura Sawmill Site
Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 2:21 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Kaikōura-based contractor Richard Watherston, who is project managing the work, said consents had been obtained from the Kaikōura District Council. More >>
‘Almost Insulting’ – Nelson Businesses Dub Council Rates Offer Tokenistic
Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 2:15 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
The lengthy upgrade of Bridge Street has left businesses struggling, but a rates deferral measure aimed at providing relief has underwhelmed businesses and landlords. More >>
'Not A Pleasant Activity': City Cyclists Feeling Less Safe - Survey
Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 2:05 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Safety perceptions particularly fell among 18-34-year-olds, and those in Mount Maunganui - the only ward where more than half of respondents said they cycled. More >>
The Fight Over Sun, Shade And Napier’s Six-story High-density Future
Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 1:58 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Napier City Council has proposed allowing non-notified six-storey developments on dozens of streets near the central city and Taradale under its new District Plan, which is currently going through 12 separate Environment Court appeals. More >>
Hastings Gets More Than $20,000 Boost From Travelling Light-And-Sound Show
Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 1:50 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Illuminate hit the mark, with thousands of people enjoying Splash Planet after dark, with colourful displays, interactive attractions, rides and food trucks. More >>
Senior Upper Hutt Council Official Becomes Chief Executive
Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 1:46 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
“I care deeply about the Upper Hutt community and look forward to continuing to work alongside the Mayor and Councillors to deliver positive outcomes for Upper Hutt,” said Kate Thomson. More >>
Kaipara's Last-minute Bid For Three Northland Councils Submitted
Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 1:00 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaipara proposal says the council’s approach offers a balanced solution that supports effective regional outcomes, protects local voice, and provides a sustainable governance framework for the future of Northland. More >>
