Local Democracy Reporting

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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 52]

‘No Excuse For Speeding’: New Limits Aim To Protect School Children

Wednesday, 16 July 2025, 5:19 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter

Hastings District Council Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said the early adoption of the lower speed limits reflected the Council’s strong commitment to improving safety outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and the wider community. More >>

Councils ‘Blindsided’ By Decision To Halt Planning Work

Wednesday, 16 July 2025, 4:52 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Councils have reacted to RMA Minister Chris Bishop's announcement he is putting a halt to District and Regional Plan reviews. More >>

Relief As Rural East Coast School Lifts Water Advisory With New Treatment System

Wednesday, 16 July 2025, 4:48 pm | Zita Campbell - Local Democracy Reporter

The school had 11 E. coli notifications in 2024. Last year, 59% of laboratory notifications of E. coli were about self-supplied schools, which affected 71 different school supplies More >>

Gaping Holes, Rusty Bolts: Titirangi Locals Want Dodgy Footpaths Fixed

Wednesday, 16 July 2025, 4:43 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter

Titirangi resident Zoe Hawkins has been trying for years to get Auckland Transport to hear their concerns for the footpaths on Wood Bay Rd, Otitori Bay Rd, Tanekaha Rd and Kohu Rd. More >>

Eastern Bay Mayors Hit Out Against Amalgamation Talks

Wednesday, 16 July 2025, 4:40 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

Amalgamation would see our communities swallowed into Tauranga and whose interests does that serve? Not the interests of the Eastern Bay of Plenty, a joint statement by three Eastern Bay of Plenty mayors said. More >>

As The Sea Level Rises, Who Will Pay? Councils Seek Answers

Tuesday, 15 July 2025, 5:24 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

North Canterbury's councils want to know who pays for preparing for climate change as major storms and flooding threatens local communities. More >>

West Coast Regional Council Chair Defends Rate Rises

Tuesday, 15 July 2025, 5:23 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter

The council is contesting figures put out by Taxpayers' Union showing it topped the country for rate hikes over the past three years. More >>

Councillor ‘Risking Health’ By Ignoring Boil Water Notice

Tuesday, 15 July 2025, 5:18 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter

The country's water regulator says a Southland councillor who refuses to boil his tap water could be risking his health. More >>

Councillor Says 'Nothing Wrong' With Eastern Bush Water Despite Boil Water Notice

Tuesday, 15 July 2025, 5:17 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter

Eastern Bush/Otahu Flat, north of Tūātapere, is under a boil water notice until at least 2026. More >>

How Whanganui Achieved Lowest Rates In The Country

Tuesday, 15 July 2025, 5:14 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter

Whanganui's average rates increase of 2.2 percent for the year ahead is the lowest in the country. More >>

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 >>