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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Council To Probe Forever Chemicals In Lake Rotorua
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:46 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is putting $30,000 towards the investigation. More >>
Waikato Waters Set To Go Live In Matamata-Piako
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:42 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Waikato Waters took operational control in South Waikato, Waipā and Waitomo District Councils on July 1, with plans to roll out to Hauraki and Ōtorohanga next year. More >>
‘Prepare Now’: Marlborough Braces For ‘Elevated’ El Niño Fire Season
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:36 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
El Niño typically brought to New Zealand a windy and changeable spring, dry spells in the north and east, heavy rain and storms in the west and south, and bigger swings between warm and cold. More >>
No Annual Fee For Al Fresco In Masterton CBD
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:32 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
A new policy was recently adopted by councillors which governed the commercial use of public spaces outside shops through the likes of outdoor dining, sale of goods, and other activities. More >>
A Brighter Chapter Begins For Cannons Creek Library
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:29 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Local school children and residents packed out the opening on Monday which was celebrated with storytelling, face painting and sausage sizzles. More >>
E.coli Risk: Masterton’s Fluoride-Free Water Fountain Removed
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:26 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The council removed its Manuka St fountain on Friday as a result of a boil water notice in place on the Ōpaki Water Supply, the source for the tap. More >>
'History Making': More User-Pays Loos For The Mackenzie
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:23 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
The Mackenzie District Council is rolling out a user-pays system at five public facilities under a district-wide toilet strategy. More >>
Gisborne Considers More Beach Burn-Offs To Tackle Woody Debris
Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 7:20 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Gisborne District Council started a burn-off trial this month to remove the build-up of large piles of woody debris on the beachfront. More >>
'Break The Chains': Lakes Trust Seeks $2m Lifeline From Regional Council
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 12:55 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
The trust chairman says the money would support a reset after its restructuring. More >>
Assault, Racial Abuse Claims Emerge After Tokoroa School Rugby Team’s Ban
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 12:50 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
St Peter’s head of school Jason Speedy said staff members at the game “never heard this sort of language” from either players or supporters, adding there would be “immediate and serious consequences” if it was found. More >>
ECan Backs Kaikōura Flood Recovery, Calls For Government Support
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 12:42 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Canterbury is facing a large funding shortfall has looks to support Kaikōura's flood recovery, while waiting for for the Government to step up. More >>
Panmure’s Landmark Sign Returns But Not To Its ‘Spiritual Location’
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 12:38 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
“I’m happy the sign is going up but I’m not happy that the sign is going up at another place,” said Resident Kerry Brady. More >>
Two More Central Picton Car Parks Make Way For Outdoor Dining
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 12:27 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
Marlborough Sounds ward councillor Barbara Faulls said she did not oppose the proposal but the council’s current method of giving car parks to hospitality businesses was “ad hoc” and needed rethinking. More >>
'Everywhere Stinks': Residents Question Council's Response To Smelly Compost Site
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 12:14 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Neighbours said the smell from a composting site in Gisborne was "soul-destroying". More >>
Get Your Skates On: Nuit Blanche Returns To Napier
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 12:06 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Council-owned Bay Skate manager Kyle Hamilton said “if you can walk you can skate” so “come and have a go”. More >>
Porirua Park Spectator Stand Costed At $20 Million
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 12:01 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
They said a business case was needed to confirm the figures, or even a high-level feasibility assessment to determine whether the project should be included in the long-term plan. More >>
Flawed Fault Overlay Challenged In Wairarapa District Plan
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 11:55 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Mapping in the Proposed Wairarapa Combined District Plan indicated the properties were intersected by active traces of the Te Maire Fault. Having a property mapped within a Fault Hazard Area created significant planning hurdles. More >>
‘Very Close’: $2m Boost Brings Rotorua Museum Reopening In Sight
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 11:49 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Council says Rotorua Museum “very close” to exhibition funding. More >>
Survey Reveals Highs And Lows Of Working At Southland Councils
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 11:16 am | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Southland’s June survey — the most recent to be released in the region — was provided to Local Democracy Reporting and showed an overall score of 60% satisfaction. More >>
Forced Merger Proposal Process All For Nothing – Tūrangi Councillor
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 11:14 am | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
After sending councils into a sudden frenzy of forced marriage-like proposals, the Government this week deferred making decisions on council amalgamation until after the election. More >>
