Local Democracy Reporting

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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]

Carterton Councillors May Rethink 'Nuclear' Rates Option

Friday, 13 November 2026, 12:13 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

Councillor Brian Deller said it was important the council didn’t “rush into any half-cocked solutions”, while councillor Steve Laurence likened the proposed changes to a “nuclear weapon”, if it was applied at the level suggested. More >>

Final Push To Bring More Dust And Noise As Spring Creek Stopbank Nears Completion

Friday, 13 November 2026, 12:09 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter

Council chief rivers engineer Andy White said once the stopbank was completed, there would still be flood protection work needed along the lower Wairau River in the future to more fully secure the town. More >>

‘Done And Dusted’: Ashburton's Balmoral Hall Reduced To Rubble

Friday, 13 November 2026, 12:05 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

“People have created memories there over the years, so I think there are a lot of people in Ashburton who are very sad to see it go," said Dance teacher Charmaine Quaid who ran her dance studio at the hall for 55 years. More >>

Selwyn Challenges Rates Cap Formula Over Growth Pressures

Friday, 13 November 2026, 12:01 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

Over the past decade, Selwyn’s population grew by about 5% annually, more than three times the national average of 1.5%, making it the fastest-growing council area in the country. More >>

Fears Of Selwyn Becoming ‘Concrete Paradise’

Friday, 13 November 2026, 11:57 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

The RMA, which has governed land use and environmental management for more than 30 years, is being replaced by two new laws. The Government changes aim to simplify a complex consenting system and speed up development. More >>

Orana Park Asks Selwyn Ratepayers To Help Fill Funding Hole

Friday, 13 November 2026, 11:54 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

Looking to the future Orana Park wanted the council to consider a partnership in the upcoming long-term plan discussions & a regional asset partnership model across Selwyn, Christchurch, Waimakariri. Gliddon asked for a business case for the funding. More >>

Kāpiti Coast Airport To Close On November 30

Friday, 13 November 2026, 11:48 am | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter

The Kāpiti Aero Club said on Thursday the airport’s holding company had requested it to surrender the existing lease, which runs through to 2033, by November 30 – and to vacate by February 28. More >>

South Waikato Council Budgets $180k For Te Waihou Walkway Blue Spring Over Summer

Friday, 13 November 2026, 11:43 am | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter

Despite the Government allocating $675,000 from the International Visitors Levy for the springs, the council said it had yet to receive the funds. More >>

Council To Reconsider Proposed Rangiora Hub

Friday, 13 November 2026, 11:38 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The Waimakariri District Council will consider support a staged approach to building the proposed Southbrook Community Recreation Hub. More >>

19 Hours Of Staff Time Goes Into ACT Councillor's Withdrawn Motion

Friday, 13 November 2026, 11:35 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter

Councillor Malcolm Taylor told Local Democracy Reporting that he thought it would take “a couple of hours” to process the motion when he filed it, but he was “not surprised” at how long it actually took. More >>

Tanya Winter Resigns As Ōtorohanga Chief Executive For Waimate Role

Friday, 13 November 2026, 11:29 am | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter

According to a statement released by South Waikato District Council, the Western Waikato Unitary Authority proposal was a major factor in making Law interim chief executive of Waikato. More >>

Bethlehem Retirees Want Footpath Extended So They Can Walk Safely

Friday, 13 November 2026, 11:25 am | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter

Bethlehem Country Club member Murray Watkins said he found it hard to walk on the grass as it was uneven and he’d had both his hips and knees operated on. More >>

Reservoir Project To Ease Water Worries In Hawke's Bay Towns

Friday, 13 November 2026, 11:20 am | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter

Mark Kinvig said the project started in 2018 but was delayed because of Covid and Cyclone Gabrielle. He said it would be funded through contributions from the Government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, development contributions and ratepayers. More >>

Waihī Mine Campsite Gets Council Tick To Continue Operating

Thursday, 12 November 2026, 5:38 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter

The licence was up for renewal after the Court of Appeal ruled the mine's original licence was unlawful in April, finding fencing off a council-owned paper road blocked the public's right to pass. More >>

Funding Boost For Whale Trail's Kaikōura Section

Thursday, 12 November 2026, 5:23 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Investment of $12.75m will allow both ends of the Picton to Kaikōura Whale Trail to be completed. More >>

Opposition To North Canterbury Solar Farm Consent Taken To Environment Court

Thursday, 12 November 2026, 4:13 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The Waipara Valley Community Collective Inc has appealed a decision to grant a consent for a solar farm in Waipara, North Canterbury, to the Environment Court. More >>

Remembrance Day: ‘Occasions Like This Remind Us Just How Special Peace Is’

Thursday, 12 November 2026, 11:27 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter

This year’s memorial ceremony saw people of all ages and backgrounds gathered for a flypast of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Black Falcons at 11am, followed by a memorial service to recognise those who fought for Aotearoa but didn’t return home. More >>