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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 47]
Kaikōura Considers New Rules For Cats
Tuesday, 15 July 2025, 5:07 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaikōura District Council is considering drafting an animal control bylaw to include cats, to replace its dog control bylaw, in a bid to protect native birds. More >>
Tauranga parks plagued by illegal motorbike riders, safety fears grow
Monday, 14 July 2025, 6:59 pm | Alisha Evans - Local Democracy Reporter
Riders tear up the grass verges and do wheelies on the gravel paths, spraying gravel everywhere and forcing people off the tracks, Buddy Mikaere says. More >>
‘Plague Of Hoons’: Bikers ‘Tearing Up’ Parks Frustrate Neighbours
Monday, 14 July 2025, 11:28 am | Alisha Evans - Local Democracy Reporter
Buddy Mikaere lives in Gate Pā and said the bikes had been ridden in Kōpūrererua Valley most days since the start of the year. More >>
‘All Options On The Table’: Whanganui Gears Up For Crucial Call On Future Of Water Services
Monday, 14 July 2025, 9:52 am | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Under the government’s Local Water Done Well reforms, councils around the country must submit a water services plan by September. More >>
‘Not Just About Cost’: Why Ruapehu Voted Against Bigger Water Model
Monday, 14 July 2025, 9:48 am | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Government water reforms are driving proposals for smaller councils to meet future costs by amalgamating water services. More >>
Labour Makes Election Promise On Nelson Hospital
Monday, 14 July 2025, 7:48 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
The 2023 plan included beds in the emergency department as well as older persons’ mental health beds at Richmond's Alexandra Hospital 8.5km away. The 2025 plan included neither. More >>
Selwyn Plans Big Increase In Tree Planting
Friday, 11 July 2025, 3:04 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
At the subcommittee meeting, Selwyn’s people, culture, and capability executive director Steve Gibling said the council is “looking for better direction around how we proactively manage trees, especially in a fast-paced growth district like ... More >>
Lake Kaniere Septic Tanks Under Scrutiny As Subdivision Grows
Friday, 11 July 2025, 3:00 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter
The prospect of contamination from septic tanks was raised earlier this year by the council’s Management chair Brett Cummings. More >>
Council Slashes Funding For Sister Cities Scheme
Friday, 11 July 2025, 2:57 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
The smaller sum was put aside for hosting, gifts, food and support to the Kumagaya Friendship Association — a connection to the council’s other sister city in Japan. More >>
Ōtara Youth Hub Closure: A Critical Loss For Rangatahi As Funding Cuts Take Their Toll
Friday, 11 July 2025, 2:53 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Ōtara has around 21,700 residents, with a median age of just 27.6, and more than half (54 per cent) of the population is under 30, according to the 2023 census and community data. More >>
Local Politician Continues Fight For Better Drinking Water For Waiuku
Friday, 11 July 2025, 2:48 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Watercare's plan for Waiuku does not include water softening treatment for hard water, which Franklin Local Board member Gary Holmes said has been a long-standing issue for the community. More >>
Staples Eyes Up Unfinished Business In Re-election Bid
Thursday, 10 July 2025, 4:54 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Staples, who has served as a regional councillor since 2016, has a wealth of governance experience, having been South Wairarapa’s mayor from 2004 to 2016, and a Featherston Community Board member prior to that. More >>
‘Stop This Madness’: Police Promise Crackdown On Illegal Dirt Bikers
Thursday, 10 July 2025, 4:37 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
The decision ends the fully outsourced parking model introduced in mid-2018. More >>
North Canterbury Locals Get Say Over Huge Solar Farm
Thursday, 10 July 2025, 3:59 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
A proposed 180ha solar farm in North Canterbury has been notified. More >>
Chaos As Ruapehu Council Rejects Officials Advice On Water
Thursday, 10 July 2025, 3:13 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Ruapehu councillors have voted down a recommendation to join a multi-council water body that officials estimate would save their community $40 million dollars. More >>
Mayors Call For Clarity On Regional Council Alternatives
Thursday, 10 July 2025, 10:29 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury mayors have waded in on the debate over whether to scrap regional councils. More >>
Is Kaikōura On The Verge Of A Housing Boom?
Thursday, 10 July 2025, 10:24 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
A Kaikōura developer says he is ready to "push the button" on a new housing development. More >>
Council Amalgamation: Southland Mayor ‘Stoked’ For Investigation
Thursday, 10 July 2025, 10:16 am | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
The proposal would see the four councils shrink down to two authorities — Environment Southland would dissolve, Invercargill City Council would become a unitary authority with regional council powers and the two district councils would combine into a single ... More >>
South Island Assembly Mooted To Get Better Deals From Wellington
Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 4:58 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Canterbury's regional councillors have mooted the idea of forming a South Island General Assembly to lobby central Government, in response to suggestions regional councils could be abolished as part of the Resource Management Act reform More >>
‘Fine Sweeper’ Snaps More Than 5000 Parking Violations In Five Months
Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 3:01 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
The hybrid vehicle cost $73,000 and was funded out of parking income, not rates, and has advanced technology in its roof and rear and a camera that takes photos of cars and tyres of parked vehicles. More >>
