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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 54]
Toxic Workplace: Black Mould, Compliance Issues Spell $500,000 Fix For Thames-Coromandel Admin Buildings
Monday, 29 June 2026, 6:34 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The building’s fire alarm systems, evacuation systems and fire related construction create “life safety and statutory compliance risk”, the council agenda read, with multiple spaces also lacking fresh air supply. More >>
Concerns As Traffic Measures Being Moved In Masterton CBD
Monday, 29 June 2026, 6:18 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Parts of Queen St have been pedestrian access only since March as work was being done, marked by a multitude of traffic cones, fencing, and ramps. More >>
Could These Hawke’s Bay Treasures Lose Safeguards Under Law Change?
Monday, 29 June 2026, 6:14 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced in August 2025 plans to amend the Conservation Act. More >>
Mussel Company Fined After Dozens Of Foul Odour Complaints
Monday, 29 June 2026, 6:08 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
The company, which employs over 200 full-time staff in Ōpōtiki, pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to charges laid by Bay of Plenty Regional Council. More >>
Taupō And South Waikato Councils Prefer Consultations Over Marriage Proposals
Monday, 29 June 2026, 6:02 pm | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
Councils have the opportunity to get a “head start” through submitting an amalgamation proposal with two or more councils by August 9. More >>
Stewart Island Hit By Another Power Price Hike
Monday, 29 June 2026, 5:44 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
District council and community board appointee for Rakiura Jon Spraggon said both the board and community realised the price had to go up. More >>
World-First Underwater Caulerpa Seaweed-Eating Machine Launches In Bay Of Islands
Monday, 29 June 2026, 5:27 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
The Northland-made ROV is a tethered robotic submersible controlled by operators on the surface, allowing large-scale caulerpa removal to be carried out underwater without divers. More >>
Boost For North Canterbury School 'Bulging At The Seams'
Monday, 29 June 2026, 5:15 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Amuri Area School in Culverden is finally set to receive some new classrooms, after funding was cancelled two years ago. More >>
Government's Housing Incentives Come Up Short - Waimakariri Councillor
Monday, 29 June 2026, 5:12 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
A Waimakariri district councillor says the Government's incentives for growth doesn't go far enough. More >>
Lifeline For Small Canterbury Community's Postal Services As End Date Delayed
Monday, 29 June 2026, 4:58 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Waikuku Beach in North Canterbury has had its postal services extended until August 31. More >>
Film Funding Battle 2: Waikato Screen Gains Another Backer Amid Unknown Future
Monday, 29 June 2026, 4:55 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Waikato Screen figures showed a 76:1 dollar return on investment to Matamata-Piako. More >>
Council Crossroads: Kaikōura Sets Deadline For Selecting Partner
Monday, 29 June 2026, 4:34 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaikōura District Council will decide by July 8 which council(s) it plans to prepare a HeadStart proposal with. More >>
Rate Rises Across Southland Less Than Expected
Monday, 29 June 2026, 4:30 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Invercargill City Council led the charge on Tuesday when it ushered in an average rise of 7.03% — higher than a March position but less than the 8.43% forecast in its long term plan. More >>
Regional Councillors Stick To Path Despite Mayors’ Plea
Monday, 29 June 2026, 4:28 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Tauranga councillor Tim Maltby joined Shirley in voting against adopting the amendment, saying councillors couldn’t ignore all the territorial authorities in the Bay of Plenty. More >>
Kaikōura Settles On 6.3% Rate Rise
Monday, 29 June 2026, 4:27 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaikōura District Council has adopted its annual plan, with an average rate rise of 6.3% - or 3.8% without water services. More >>
Drivers Keep Breaching Beach Ban On Marlborough’s East Coast
Monday, 29 June 2026, 4:23 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
Marlborough District Council unanimously voted on Thursday to publicly consult on whether to review the East Coast Beach Vehicle Bylaw, and whether the review should cover the whole bylaw or target specific sections. More >>
Whakatāne Bus Station Getting Nearly $850,000 Restroom Upgrade
Monday, 29 June 2026, 4:10 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
The funding is being administered through Bay of Plenty Regional Council, which applied for the funding on the district council’s behalf. More >>
Tasman’s Rates Increase More Than Double Nelson’s
Monday, 29 June 2026, 4:06 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Tasman will see a 9.9% increase, while Nelson agreed to a 4.7% increase. The commentary from the two councils' elected members was markedly different. More >>
Value For Money Top Priority For Council Merger, Masterton Survey Shows
Monday, 29 June 2026, 3:54 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Masterton District Council’s recent Future of Local Government Survey drew 559 submissions, of which 80.5% were in favour of a Wairarapa option - 11.5% preferred a wider Wellington model. More >>
Rates Rage: South Waikato Council Votes For Rise
Monday, 29 June 2026, 3:49 pm | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
The rates vote comes after South Waikato District Council reported to its ratepayers a year-to-date net operating surplus of $189k, besting its budgeted deficit of $3.11m by more than $3 million. More >>
