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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 64]
'Hunger Games': Why A Councillor Fears She'll Lose Her Seat
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 8:43 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Nelson councillor Lisa Austin says she could be dismissed during a confidential vote on Thursday. More >>
Nelson Car Sharing Stalls After Mevo Exit
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 8:37 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
The city has all but lost car-sharing services after the company went under and withdrew its vehicles. More >>
Second Memorial Tree Dies: Are Vandals Or Natural Causes At Fault?
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 8:24 am | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Registered master arborist Asher Bowyer from Ash and Oak said several factors could have contributed to the tree not surviving, including not having enough water during dry spells. More >>
Joanna Baldwin Wins Featherston By-Election
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 8:16 am | Sue Teodoro - Local Democracy Reporter
“To have received more than 50% of the votes is amazing. I’d like the community to make sure they are heard, and to make sure they participate in the amalgamation discussions,” said Joanna Baldwin. More >>
Final Piece Of Te Ahu A Turanga Highway Ready Late 2027
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 8:02 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
The pathway should be completed by the end of 2027, with construction to begin later this year, said NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s regional relationships director for central North Island Linda Stewart at a Horizons Regional Council meeting. More >>
Five-Week Crematorium Closure Triggers Temporary Price Hike
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 7:57 am | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
The crematorium and chapel at Hillcrest Cemetery in Whakatāne will be closed for about five weeks while the cremator equipment is upgraded. More >>
Colin Olds Launches Regional Council Campaign
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 7:46 am | Sue Teodoro - Local Democracy Reporter
Olds thought it was important the functions the Regional Council currently provided in the region were retained and not diluted by cost-cutting or other factors. More >>
‘We Make Do With What We Have’: Councillor Calls For 4% Rates Cap
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 7:40 am | Sue Teodoro - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillor Tim Nelson said he was a "huge" advocate for rates capping. "I think it’s the best thing that could possibly happen to councils", added Nelson. More >>
'Devastated And Disappointed': Efeso Collins' Family React To Coroner's Report
Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 7:10 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
In a statement following Coroner Janet Anderson's findings, his widow, Vasa Fia Collins, said the family was "devastated and disappointed" by the decision not to hold an open inquest hearing. More >>
Community House Stays Open After Kāinga Ora Backs Down
Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 7:02 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
The house, one of four KO homes leased by Auckland Council, offered valuable services to the south Auckland community. More >>
West Coast's $65m Investment In Flood Defences
Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 6:53 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
Regional council chairman Colin Smith said his council had not done a good job of communicating the council's value to communities. More >>
Tiaki Wai Wipes Out Porirua Council Rates Hike, But There's A Catch
Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 6:49 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The Porirua City Council’s chief financial officer, Ian Dennis, said this was a one-off instance, stemming from removing water infrastructure from its books. More >>
'Devastated And Disappointed': Efeso Collins' Family React To Coroner's Report
Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 6:44 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
In a statement following Coroner Janet Anderson's findings, his widow, Vasa Fia Collins, said the family was "devastated and disappointed" by the decision not to hold an open inquest hearing. More >>
'Not Helpful': Selwyn Mayor Rejects Tolling Talk Amid Merger Debate
Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 6:40 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon wants the focus to be on what is the best proposal for Canterbury, not councillors from neighbouring districts getting into slanging matches over tolls. More >>
Grab Your Partner: Ashburton Reveals Eight Merger Options
Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 6:33 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
The Canterbury Mayoral Forum is set to meet on Friday to continue its discussion on exploring a regional approach to developing a proposal. More >>
Finding Hauraki's Ideal Match 'One Of The Biggest Decisions' District Will Face
Monday, 8 June 2026, 2:09 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The survey is currently live on the council’s website and closes on July 17th. Financial analysis for each scenario will be worked through on whichever proposal moves forward. More >>
Auckland Council Seeks Pacific Input On Proposed Lifejacket Rules
Monday, 8 June 2026, 2:03 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
All feedback will be reviewed and analysed before the bylaw panel considers submissions and makes recommendations to Auckland Council's Governing Body. More >>
Coroner Finds Fa'anānā Efeso Collins Died Of Natural Causes, Calls For Better Emergency Planning
Monday, 8 June 2026, 1:53 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
While the coroner found Fa'anānā died from natural cardiac disease linked to long-term health conditions, the inquiry also examined concerns raised by his family about the emergency response on the day. More >>
Deputy Mayor Celebrates Sāmoan Culture At Manurewa Library
Monday, 8 June 2026, 1:43 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
The celebration highlighted the role council-owned facilities such as libraries continue to play as community gathering places, supporting cultural events and helping preserve Pacific languages for future generations. More >>
‘My Preference Is For A Referendum’: Wellington Mayor Andrew Little
Monday, 8 June 2026, 8:53 am | Sue Teodoro - Local Democracy Reporter
Wilde pointed to public meetings currently underway in South Wairarapa, and said it was important, across the whole region, for residents to be informed, engaged and heard. More >>
