Local Democracy Reporting

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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 4]

North Canterbury Unitary Council Proposal Lodged

Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 10:24 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Five proposals involving Canterbury councils have been submitted into the Government's Head Start pathway. More >>

Invercargill Council Feeling The Gravity Of Amalgamation Process

Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 10:16 am | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter

A separate Local Government Commission investigation is already underway in Southland examining both one and two-council options for the region. More >>

Fixing ‘Immediate Risk’ At Waihī Pool Will Cost $100,000

Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 8:53 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter

The existing gas chlorinator was the reason for an evacuation last year and is an “immediate health and safety risk to both operators and users of the facility”, according to a Hauraki District Council agenda. More >>

What If I’m Central Hawke’s Bay’s Last Mayor? Will Foley On Juggling Family, Farm And Reforms

Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 8:40 am | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter

It’s been almost 10 months since Will Foley was elected mayor of the rural district, 50km south of Hastings, defeating incumbent Alex Walker, who had held the seat for nine years, by 1645 votes. More >>

Amalgamation: Welcome To The Jungle

Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 8:33 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

t a mayoral forum on Friday, mayors across the wider Wellington region agreed on a joint position that not every council agreed with the proposals and their views would be respected and would be “conveyed faithfully” in the proposal outlines. More >>

From Grave To Grove: Natural Burial Sites Proposed For Tairāwhiti

Monday, 10 August 2026, 7:19 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter

The Natural Burials Tairāwhiti Advocacy group has proposed Ormond and Pātūtahi cemeteries for natural burial use where plants, flat stones or GPS co-ordinates mark grave sites. More >>

Nelson’s New Arts Hub ‘A Place Of Possibility’

Monday, 10 August 2026, 7:15 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter

Named Tāwera, the hub formally opened on Friday morning, coming in under its $1.25 million budget. More >>

‘How Can Anyone Stop Me’: Meet The 89-Year-Old Man Who Helped Transform His Town

Monday, 10 August 2026, 7:12 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter

Over the past 40 years, Hocken has helped transform Twizel from a small settlement to a popular holiday destination. More >>

Chaos In The Chamber: Rotorua Council Rejects Both Reform Options

Monday, 10 August 2026, 7:02 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter

Western Bay vote puts Rotorua merger plan at risk, says mayor. More >>

Amalgamation Ultimatum: Councils Clash Over Their Future

Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:57 pm | Marika Hill - Local Democracy Reporting

While some council deals proved straightforward, other councils struggled to reach a consensus as Sunday's 9 August deadline approached. More >>

Lingering Route Concerns Poised To Delay Nelson Cycleway

Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:51 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter

The East-West Cycleway could be delayed or staged as Nelson's elected members remain concerned about the route and want to keep exploring options. More >>

Trust Tairāwhiti Reports Higher Revenue But $30m Borrowing Rise

Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:47 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter

August 07, 2026 Trust Tairāwhiti recorded strong operating performance in the 2026 financial year with higher revenue and assets, but increased borrowing and lower community distributions. The recently released Trust Tairāwhiti Annual Report includes ... More >>

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