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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Tūrangi-Taupō Bus Service Gets Bigger Bus, But Schedule Still Excludes Commuters
Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 1:33 pm | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
Waikato Regional Council chairman Warren Maher said in a statement that decisions about new or additional commuter bus services can’t be made based on a checklist of criteria. More >>
Canterbury Warned Another Flood Coming Within 10 Years As Kaikōura Recovery Continues
Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 1:28 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Canterbury says there could be more weather events this summer, as it continues the clean up in Kaikōura after the July 7 flood. More >>
Awatoto’s Low Bridges Pose Ongoing Flood Risk, Councillor Warns
Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 1:24 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
KiwiRail chief infrastructure officer Siva Sivapakkiam said they acknowledged climate adaptation and resilience were significant challenges for Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand. More >>
Ken Mair On Gang Hui Backlash: ‘You Cannot Heal Communities By Abandoning Them’
Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 1:19 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
“There must be no tolerance for violence, intimidation, the exploitation of vulnerable people or the destruction caused by methamphetamine,” said Whanganui iwi leader Ken Mair. More >>
Waitaki Council Claims Third-Party Property Sites 3000% More Expensive
Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 1:05 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
Waitaki District Council chief executive Alex Parmley said he wanted people to know about the charges, so they did not spend money unnecessarily. More >>
Cyclone Gabrielle Debris: Gisborne Council Wins Award For AI Mapping Project
Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 1:02 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
“What makes me particularly proud is that this innovation was developed to solve a very real problem for our communities – helping us make better decisions,” said Mayor Rehette Stoltz. More >>
Forestry Leaders Say 1260% Rates Hike Puts Jobs At Risk
Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 12:43 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
NZFOA chief operating officer Joseph Brolly said forest owners were being asked to shoulder an extraordinary financial burden. More >>
Gisborne Farmers And Wine Growers See Upside Of El Niño
Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 12:38 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Federated Farmers Gisborne-Wairoa president Charlie Reynolds said farmers were preparing for potential water shortages by planning stock sales and booking tanker deliveries in advance if storage was limited or they were reliant on rainfall. More >>
NZ’s Best Holiday Park? Family-Owned Coromandel Favourite Fills The Trophy Cabinet
Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 12:32 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Along with the holiday park, Thames-Coromandel District Council Mayor Peter Revell praised all the finalists across the eight categories, saying the awards highlight the “passion, resilience and commitment” across the districts. More >>
The Maverick Mayor Who’s A Tattooist, Coffin Owner And Panelbeater
Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 11:51 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
“I might not always make the right decision. I might say something that offends someone but I’m reflecting what the people are telling me... it’s as simple as that,” said Mayor Ash Tanner. More >>
Tauranga Council Debates $300K Bid To Probe Congestion Charging
Tuesday, 20 October 2026, 5:22 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Council strategic transport and infrastructure team leader Sarah Dove told the committee a recent law change created opportunities for councils to manage congestion through pricing. More >>
Wellington Councillors Vote To Assess Bringing Services In-House
Tuesday, 20 October 2026, 5:12 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillor Andrea Compton said with council contracts totalling more than $550m, elected members needed a regular picture of how that expenditure was being managed. More >>
Century After Māori Soldiers Served In France, Cities Sign Sister-City Pact
Tuesday, 20 October 2026, 5:08 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Rotorua and Arras formalise a WWI connection with a new sister-city agreement. More >>
Councillors Reject Advice On 'Sinking Lid' Gambling Policy
Tuesday, 20 October 2026, 5:02 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillor Lisa Tou-McNaughton supported a sinking lid, saying community wellbeing should be at the heart of council decisions. More >>
From Eel Weirs To Global Design Status: Explore This City's Innovative History
Monday, 19 October 2026, 7:52 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
The 10-day festival, running until October 25, features more than 50 events celebrating Whanganui’s recognition as New Zealand’s first UNESCO City of Design. More >>
Businessman Gifts House To Cyclone-Hit Family: ‘You Can Have It, Mate’
Monday, 19 October 2026, 7:49 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
For years, Hanaray had the rental property right beside his Hastings CBD hunting and fishing shop Rivers to Ranges in Nelson St North, Hastings. More >>
West Coast Plan Triggers 'Financial Snowball' For Ratepayers - Councillor
Monday, 19 October 2026, 6:57 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
The costs of Te Tai o Poutini Plan (TTPP) - which replaces the Buller, Grey, and Westland district plans - sparked heated debate. More >>
‘I Did This For Myself And For Other Women’: Wellington Councillor Reveals Ovarian Cancer In Remission
Monday, 19 October 2026, 6:45 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The diagnosis was just five months after Compton got elected to the Takapū/Northern General War – which “really annoyed” her because it got in the way of things she wanted to achieve for her constituents. More >>
Ruapehu Mayor Says Poll On Trust Highlights Council Importance
Monday, 19 October 2026, 6:39 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Research commissioned by Local Government New Zealand found 54% of respondents trusted their local council to make decisions for their community, compared with a quarter who trust central government. More >>
Waikato Tourism Returning To Pre-Covid Boom Days
Monday, 19 October 2026, 6:32 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
One tourist hotspot, the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, is ahead of the curve with international visitation reaching pre-COVID levels two years ago, the attraction's general tourism manager, Shayne Forrest, said. More >>
