Local Democracy Reporting

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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]

Roundabout First Up As Ashburton Second Bridge Construction Ramps Up

Friday, 5 June 2026, 6:12 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

One of two large cranes is already onsite, in preparation for piling in mid-June that will take about eight months. More >>

Scale A Challenge For New Water Entity

Friday, 5 June 2026, 6:05 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

North Canterbury's new water entity will face challenges due to a lack of scale, new chairperson says. More >>

Air Chathams Cuts Kāpiti Coast Flights to Auckland

Friday, 5 June 2026, 5:56 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter

The airline took over the route when Air New Zealand pulled out in 2018. More >>

Controversial Container Terminal Leaving Katikati - What's Replacing It

Friday, 5 June 2026, 5:53 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter

The industrial site alongside State Highway 2/Waterford Rd is near Uretara Domain and accessed from Phillip Walter Drive, a residential street. More >>

Public Sector Job Cuts Spark Fears For Provincial Communities

Friday, 5 June 2026, 5:43 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter

Early Budget announcements revealed 8700 public sector jobs would be cut over the next three years, though it remained unclear exactly which services and where in Aotearoa would be worst affected. More >>

Offer To Reinstate Track At Two Slip Sites

Friday, 5 June 2026, 10:31 am | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

Austin Oliver and Angus Robson are trustees of the Toi’s Track Restoration Trust, which wishes to reopen the once popular walking track. More >>

Counting The Cost Of Climate Change For Westport

Friday, 5 June 2026, 10:24 am | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter

Hopefully future governments will develop a framework that provides clarity on who is paying and what are the funding pathways for that kind of work to happen, says Former mayor Cleine. More >>

Regional Council Weighs In On Merger Proposal

Thursday, 4 June 2026, 7:59 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter

The West Coast Regional Council will be abolished by 2028. 2. West Coast's three district councils Westland, Grey and Buller will be submitting a formal joint proposal under the reforms. More >>

King's Birthday Honour 'A Team Effort'

Thursday, 4 June 2026, 5:03 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Former Waimakariri Deputy Mayor Neville Atkinson says his King's Service Medal is thanks to the sacrifices of friends and family. More >>

Promoting Regional Interests Amid Reform

Thursday, 4 June 2026, 4:58 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Environment Canterbury chairperson Dr Deon Swiggs says the work of the council needs to continue, even if the organisation's future is uncertain. More >>

Canterbury Reform Talks: 'Stand-alone Unitary Authorities Still In Play'

Thursday, 4 June 2026, 4:52 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

From the mayoral forum discussions, Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon said that becoming a “stand-alone Unitary Authority is not ruled out”. More >>

Canterbury Councils To Gain Millions From Growth Fund - But Much Less Than GST-sharing Model

Thursday, 4 June 2026, 4:44 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

June 4, 2026 Ashburton The Government's new council growth fund will deliver a fraction of the revenue Canterbury councils could have generated under a GST-sharing model, according to expert analysis. The Incentives for Growth Fund, announced under Budget ... More >>