Local Democracy Reporting

Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.

Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 45]

Council-Backed Venue Brings Pacific-Led Theatre To Auckland Stage

Friday, 15 August 2025, 7:15 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter

Tafatolu is a new 50-minute play blending Sāmoan mythology, live music and physical theatre. More >>

Seabed Miner Slows Fast Track With 'Cynical' Response

Friday, 15 August 2025, 7:10 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting

An Australian company has slowed its fast track bid to mine the Taranaki seabed by failing to provide information demanded by officials. More >>

Council Issues 183 Bin Warnings, But Are They All Rule Breakers?

Friday, 15 August 2025, 7:07 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

Due to rising contamination in recycling and greenwaste bins, Whakatāne District Council introduced a three strikes system at the beginning of July, with the threat of having the bins temporarily confiscated after two warnings. More >>

Meet Whakatāne Council's Health Equity Team

Friday, 15 August 2025, 7:01 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

A new health advisory group set up by Whakatāne District Council plans to seek input from other districts in the Eastern Bay rather than be Whakatāne focused. Whakatāne Health Equity and Advocacy Group (WHEAG) was established in May and has ... More >>

Local Water Determined In Wellington - Councillors

Friday, 15 August 2025, 6:00 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

Councillor Gavin Dennis expressed resignation that the council had no choice but to adopt the Water Services Delivery Plan for submission to the Department of Internal Affairs for approval by September 3. More >>

Minigolf On The Cards For Lumsden

Friday, 15 August 2025, 5:53 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter

James Titter is the brains behind the idea which was inspired by travelling to small South Island towns to watch friends tie the knot. More >>

Councillor Kicked Out After Labelling Policy ‘Racist’

Friday, 15 August 2025, 5:50 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting

Would-be mayor Max Brough and his running-mate councillor Gordon Brown also faced criticism after defending Chong at this week’s New Plymouth District Council meeting. More >>

'Challenging Conversation' On The Horizon As Rotorua Museum Faces $8.3m Funding Gap

Friday, 15 August 2025, 1:19 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter

Rotorua Museum faces $8.3m funding gap, with staged reopening an option to cut costs. More >>

Kaikōura CEO Reappointed For Two Years

Thursday, 14 August 2025, 5:15 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The Kaikōura District Council has extended chief executive Will Doughty's contract for another two years. More >>

Rangiora's MainPower Stadium Slammed As 'Gold-Plated Gym'

Thursday, 14 August 2025, 5:11 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union has questioned the cost of Rangiora's MainPower Stadium to ratepayers. More >>

From 90-Minute Commute To 6: Hanmer Springs Boss On Her Big Move

Thursday, 14 August 2025, 4:55 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Sarah Wiblin is adjusting to life in Hanmer Springs, following her appointment as manager of the Hurunui District Council-owned thermal pools. More >>

Kaikōura Councillor Steps Back To Focus On Wellbeing

Thursday, 14 August 2025, 4:51 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Robby Roche is stepping back from the Kaikōura District Council to focus on a career in the mental health sector, a journey which started in the aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016. More >>

Water Showdown: Mayor’s Affordability Plea Rejected By Ruapehu Council

Thursday, 14 August 2025, 4:47 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter

Ruapehu was among the most economically disadvantaged districts in New Zealand, with many households “already stretched to breaking point by the cost-of-living crisis”. More >>

Whakatāne Bridge Petition To Be Read In Parliament

Thursday, 14 August 2025, 4:29 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

A total of 2505 people signed Whakatāne Grey Power’s petition asking the Government for a second river crossing in urban Whakatāne, which will now be presented in Parliament. Grey Power members Vern Scheffer and Raewyn Kingsley Smith handed pages of signatures ... More >>