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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 8]
Councils Faced 'Phenomenal Pressure' To Meet Merger Deadline, Only For Government To Ice Plans
Monday, 28 September 2026, 5:04 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The delay follows the coastal council spending $181,378 on consultancy fees during the three month proposal window - accounting for nearly half of the cost out of six Waikato councils. More >>
Ashburton’s 10% Rates Cap ‘Well Above’ Government Target, Minister Says
Monday, 28 September 2026, 4:59 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Local Government Minister Simon Watts said the transition approach was not inconsistent with his expectations, with each council responsible for determining its own pathway. More >>
Should Dogs Be Allowed At Cemeteries? Topic Divides Ashburton Council
Monday, 28 September 2026, 4:55 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Cr Carolyn Cameron said cemeteries should be preserved as quiet places for mourning and reflection, while Cr Julie Moffett argued leashed dogs should be welcomed, citing 70% support in consultation. More >>
Canterbury Regional Council Chair Speaks Out On Proposal To Debt Fund Planning Work
Monday, 28 September 2026, 4:48 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The forum had proposed that the regional council take on the debt and then collect contributions from the 10 local councils. More >>
North Canterbury Mayors Welcome Merger Pause Amid 'Sea Of Change'
Monday, 28 September 2026, 4:42 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Two North Canterbury mayors have welcome a pause in local government reform, while Kaikōura District Council is wants some more certainty as it looks north. More >>
‘Time To Grow Up’: Rotorua Councillors Clash Over Reserve Transfers
Monday, 28 September 2026, 4:18 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Tense reserve debate ends with one approval, one delay. More >>
Blenheim Parking Wardens To Soften Approach For Rest Of CBD Revamp
Monday, 28 September 2026, 4:14 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
The council was planning a big opening to “showcase council’s investment in strengthening town centre vibrancy and improving the experience for residents and visitors” when the full job was done. More >>
Manawatū-Whanganui Commits To ‘Room For The River’ Approach To Combat Flooding
Monday, 28 September 2026, 4:05 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
Jon Roygard, group manager of catchment operations, said the “room for the river” approach was a flood management strategy which focused on allowing natural river floodplains to move and shape. More >>
Public Shut Out Of Port Discussions At Southland Council
Monday, 28 September 2026, 4:01 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
September 24, 2026 Environment Southland is staying silent on the outcome of two private meetings held over the last week to discuss South Port. The regional council is looking to reduce its 66% stake in the Bluff deepwater port, having previously ... More >>
Govt Puts Hawke’s Bay Amalgamation Proposal On Hold
Monday, 28 September 2026, 3:59 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Hastings District, Napier City and Central Hawke’s Bay councils submitted their joint proposal by the August 9 deadline, after the Government launched its Head Start pathway on May 5. More >>
Waipu's 'Kamikaze Corner' Roundabout Stalls Despite 1300-Signature Campaign
Monday, 28 September 2026, 1:21 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Stalling the project would only worsen conditions at the intersection as vehicle traffic increased in the ever-growing area, said Waipu Residents and Ratepayers Association member Ross Boyd. More >>
'It’s Not About Dividing People': Auckland Local Board Defends Rainbow And Te Reo Commitments
Monday, 28 September 2026, 1:09 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
People could be Christian, belong to the rainbow community or practise another religion and still be part of the community the board served, said Deputy chair Vi Hausia. More >>
Ashburton Mayor Says Merger Pause Shows Concerns Were Justified
Monday, 28 September 2026, 1:02 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Ashburton mayor Liz McMillan said the Government’s decision to delay the process underlined the complexity of reform and the concerns councils had raised about the tight timeframe. More >>
From Cricket Pitch To Principal's Office: Haidee Tiffen's Mission To Inspire Girls
Monday, 28 September 2026, 12:00 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Haidee Tiffen talks about support girls to succeed in sport and life, as she prepares to leave Rangiora High School for a new role as principal at Riccarton High School in Christchurch. More >>
'Have A Grab Bag Ready': El Niño Summer Could Leave Hanmer Isolated
Monday, 28 September 2026, 11:56 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Hanmer Springs residents and farmers are being advised to "be prepared" as the region braces for an El Niño summer. More >>
‘We Did Get It Wrong’: Council Failed To Consult Boat Operators On New Fees
Monday, 28 September 2026, 11:52 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The mayor admitted “we did get it wrong” and councillors agreed to pause bringing in the fee so the council could fix the consultation blunder. More >>
Tweaks To Welcome Bay Plan Don't Go Far Enough, Says Petitioner
Friday, 25 September 2026, 5:41 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
The council proposed in March to add traffic lights at the Welcome Bay Rd and Kaitemako Rd intersection and introduce a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane. More >>
New Legislation Another Cost For Councils, Ōpōtiki Mayor Says
Friday, 25 September 2026, 5:32 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
David Moore said councils were going to have to get up to speed very quickly with two pieces of legislation passed through Parliament on Wednesday. More >>
Rangiora After Hours Funding Close To Being Finalised
Friday, 25 September 2026, 5:29 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Whatu Ora Health NZ has confirmed it expects funding arrangements to be confirmed for the new Rangiora medical facility in the next month. More >>
Revamp Revealed: Blenheim Gives Its Verdict On Town Centre Glow-Up
Friday, 25 September 2026, 5:25 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
People in Blenheim have been reacting to a major revamp of the town’s main shopping strip, which was revealed on Wednesday after almost three months of no traffic and restricted pedestrian access. More >>
