Local Democracy Reporting

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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 4]

Kaikōura's Long-Term Plan Set To Lose Water Performance

Sunday, 20 September 2026, 4:53 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The Kaikōura District Council is preparing a Long Term Plan without water services. More >>

Waikato Regional Council Posts $40M Loss On Public Transport As Fares Rise

Sunday, 20 September 2026, 4:50 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter

Operating the public transport system cost the council $51.1 million in the 25/26 financial year, according to a report to the public transport subcommittee. More >>

Farmers Question ‘Fairness’ Of 230-Home Amberley Sub-Division

Sunday, 20 September 2026, 4:47 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Farmers have their say on proposed Amberley housing development. More >>

Tokoroa's New $2 Million Hub Reflects Changing Face Of Public Libraries

Sunday, 20 September 2026, 4:44 pm | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter

The South Waikato town’s Huihuinga Rau Community Hub & Library is now open to the public. More >>

'Absolutely A Risk': Rotorua Could Lose Some Pensioner Homes For Good

Friday, 18 September 2026, 12:34 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter

Lucas Place demolition looms as 14 pensioner housing tribunal cases continue. More >>

Feilding Ditches Town Centre Cover, But Last-Minute Alternative Suggestion Wins Support

Thursday, 17 September 2026, 1:04 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter

A permanent cover wouldn’t be installed, but mayor Michael Ford suggested trialling a $25,000 marquee next winter to test the value of weatherproofing the site. More >>

Carterton Rates Shake-Up: New Tool Shows Impact On Ratepayers

Thursday, 17 September 2026, 12:49 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

Carterton Mayor Steve Cretney said the new tool was designed to help people understand how the proposals could affect their own properties. More >>

Closed-Door Debate On New Masterton Town Hall

Thursday, 17 September 2026, 11:52 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

“While the budget covers the cost of a fully functioning venue, we have heard there is interest from the community in supporting fundraising efforts for the Town Hall,” said Mayor Bex Johnson. More >>

Selwyn Appoints Mana Whenua Representative As Government Axes Voting Rights

Thursday, 17 September 2026, 11:48 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

Mayor Lydia Gliddon said the council already made the unanimous decision they wished to have a mana whenua representative in March, and it was an “important moment for our council” to be accepting the person put forward by Te Taumutu Rūnanga. More >>

Menacing Dogs Jump Fence And Bite Woman In Ōpōtiki

Thursday, 17 September 2026, 10:50 am | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

Awhina Kurei received three bites to her legs and says she has lost the sense of safety she formerly felt on the streets of her hometown. More >>

International Visitor Levy Welcomed, But Here's What's Missing

Thursday, 17 September 2026, 10:32 am | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter

“While tourism brings many benefits, it also puts extra pressure on infrastructure & services, particularly in places like Waihī Beach where visitor numbers can exceed the resident population during peak holidays,” said Western Bay Mayor James Denyer More >>