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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 50]
Council Considers Slashing Water Plan Amid Rising Rates
Tuesday, 29 July 2025, 5:01 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
With Central Hawke’s Bay rates forecast to double by 2034 under modelling completed to comply with the Government’s Local Water Done Well framework, the council is considering halving $201m of essential work on its water infrastructure. More >>
Kaipara Māori Ward Councillor: District Should Get Its Say
Tuesday, 29 July 2025, 4:55 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Te Moananui o Kaipara Māori ward councillor Paniora (Ngāti Whātua, Te Kuihi, Te Roroa) said local residents won't get to vote on the district's Māori ward, unlike their counterparts across more than 40 councils with Māori wards. More >>
‘Keep Our Māori Wards’ Campaign Kicks Off With Security Caution
Tuesday, 29 July 2025, 3:53 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
Māori wards were Treaty-based, he said: created to ensure effective representation and help meet Crown obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, as spelled out in the Local Government Act. More >>
Four Runners Confirmed For Ashburton Mayoral Race
Tuesday, 29 July 2025, 3:32 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
It’s officially a four-way race for the Ashburton Mayoralty with Rob Mackle’s nomination. More >>
‘It’ll Be The Talk Of The Town’ – Tākaka Home Proposed For Ancient Waka
Tuesday, 29 July 2025, 3:27 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Iwi have proposed that the ancient Anaweka waka should be displayed in its own museum in the Golden Bay town of Tākaka. More >>
The Auckland Elections You Probably Don’t Know About
Tuesday, 29 July 2025, 3:20 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
The local elections will be held from September 9 - October 11, and while most of the attention will be on city councillors and mayoral hopefuls, voters will also decide who will lead their licensing trusts. More >>
Three New Faces Emerge In Ashburton Council Race
Tuesday, 29 July 2025, 3:16 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
A man who was unsuccessful standing in the last general election, a local business owner, and a journalist are the latest candidates to come forward in Ashburton. More >>
Taranaki Mayors Want Hydrogen Kick-start From Wellington
Monday, 28 July 2025, 7:56 am | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
The Taranaki Mayoral Forum says Wellington should financially back the region as it is the logical base for hydrogen energy production. More >>
Act Stands Two Candidates In North Canterbury Councils
Monday, 28 July 2025, 7:50 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Act Party is running two candidates for North Canterbury councils in the October elections. More >>
‘Distressing’: Featherston Wastewater Plan Faces Push Back
Thursday, 24 July 2025, 5:44 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
A three-day hearing totalling about 20 hours was adjourned on Wednesday, with further discussions over consent conditions still to take place between South Wairarapa District Council and the consenting authority Greater Wellington Regional Council. More >>
Calls For Government To Work With Councils On RMA Reform
Thursday, 24 July 2025, 5:39 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Canterbury has adopted a submission on proposed changes to national direction under the Resource Management Act, but called on the Government to work more closely with local and regional government and local communities. More >>
Ashburton Mayoral Race Heats Up
Thursday, 24 July 2025, 5:35 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Jeff Ryan has officially entered the Ashburton mayoral race and announced another big project. More >>
Ngāti Porou CEO George Reedy Resigns After Four Years
Thursday, 24 July 2025, 5:29 pm | Zita Campbell - Local Democracy Reporter
He played a key role in expanding health and social services in Te Tairāwhiti. More >>
Melser Announces Re-Election Bid With Focus On Youth And Climate
Thursday, 24 July 2025, 5:25 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Melser will campaign on four pillars: enabling the youth sector, climate and environment, community cohesion, and business and innovation. More >>
Cafe Owner Protests Punakaiki Parking Charges
Thursday, 24 July 2025, 5:22 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter
Project manager John Dore told the Board that DOC had serious budget pressures including a 30 percent shortfall in funding for its visitor network and a huge deficit in the amount available for biodiversity. More >>
Waimakariri In-House Water Plan Approved
Thursday, 24 July 2025, 5:18 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Department of Internal Affairs has approved the Waimakariri District Council's water services delivery plan. More >>
Damned Either Way: West Coast Business Owner On River Threat
Wednesday, 23 July 2025, 3:01 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter
The Westland mayor has suggested the Regional Council should try to steer the wild river away from the north bank and the Tartare by bulldozing a deep channel or gut down the middle of its sprawling bed. More >>
Why This Town’s Lake Is Causing A Stink
Wednesday, 23 July 2025, 2:29 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Residents are seeking answers for the fate of Pegasus Lake. More >>
Mixed Reaction As Councils Told To Halt Planning Work
Wednesday, 23 July 2025, 2:20 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury's three councils have given different reactions to the Government's announcement last week it was putting a stopping to councils working on District and Regional Plans until the new resource management legislation takes effect. More >>
Auckland Council Defends Alcohol Rule Shakeup
Wednesday, 23 July 2025, 2:15 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
The new rules included a two-year freeze on new off-licences in the central city and 23 other suburbs with the highest alcohol-related harm. More >>
