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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
The Mining Political Divide: Greens Vs NZ First
Wednesday, 19 August 2026, 6:14 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors have been putting all candidates in the West Coast-Tasman electorate on the mat, giving each time to outline their policies and answer questions. More >>
Greens Candidate Vague On Harvesting Pest Animals
Wednesday, 19 August 2026, 6:08 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
Cr Campbell has said wild goats should be harvested for food instead of importing them to New Zealand, describing is as the "most organic meat in the world". More >>
Ohakune Water Crisis Exposes Funding Gap For Critical Infrastructure, Says Mayor
Wednesday, 19 August 2026, 5:39 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Kirton acknowledged the disruption caused by the emergency and praised the community-wide effort to support residents and assist with the response. More >>
Local Government Reform's Toughest Phase Still Ahead, Council Boss Says
Wednesday, 19 August 2026, 5:36 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Difficult conversations are ahead for councils when it comes to the "nitty gritty" of forming new unitary councils, Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jeff Millward says. More >>
Infrastructure Minister Rules Out Pause On Fast-Track Housing Developments In Canterbury
Wednesday, 19 August 2026, 5:05 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
A spokesperson for Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says the Fast-track Approvals Act doesn't allow for a pause, after two Canterbury mayors write asking for a pause and review on decisions for proposed housing developments. More >>
Sawmill Worker Advocates Call For Action On 'Horrific' Toxic Legacy
Wednesday, 19 August 2026, 4:03 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Sawmill Workers Against Poisons (Swap) co-chairman Kereama Akuhata said the report highlighted human rights breaches against the workers. More >>
Forestry Minister Appoints Facilitator For Gisborne Forestry
Wednesday, 19 August 2026, 3:20 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
The Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group (TFAG), established in 2024 to build confidence between parties and remove woody biomass, will also move into the next stage of its work. More >>
Upper Hutt Looks At Funding Study For 'Transformational' Rail Stop
Wednesday, 19 August 2026, 9:31 am | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Transport planning for the Hutt Valley in late 2003 proposed electrifying the rail line beyond Upper Hutt and running trains to two new stations - Timberlea and Cruickshank Rd at Clouston Park - after 2016. More >>
'Little Bit Grumpy': Rural Residents Shoulder Water Upgrade Costs
Wednesday, 19 August 2026, 9:26 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Significant changes are coming for two of Tasman's rural water supply schemes as the council seeks to comply with national regulations, but the ongoing costs are a concern for residents. More >>
Golden Bay Kayak Company To Keep Beachfront Base
Wednesday, 19 August 2026, 9:16 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
A potential total sale of Tasman's 29 Cornwall Place would have spelt the end for Golden Bay Kayaks. A council decision last week will see part of the property sold to the business, much to their relief. More >>
Carterton's Ground Too Wet, Stream Too Low For Wastewater Discharge
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 6:22 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Since the flooding, rainfall had been insufficient to raise the stream to a high enough level for consented discharge, which was above twice its median flow. More >>
Carterton Looking To Turn Poo Into Profits
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 6:19 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Carterton District Council teamed up with Compost NZ last year to trial an environmentally-beneficial solution for managing sludge at its wastewater treatment plant in Dalefield. More >>
SFO Charges Former Council Manager
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 6:15 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The three people, who have interim name suppression, face two charges each of obtaining by deception. More >>
Kawau Island Residents Weigh In On Rubbish Stoush
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 6:04 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kawau Islander was responding to opposition from Sandspit Reserve residents to their home being used as a dumping ground for the island's homeowners and holidaymakers. More >>
South Taranaki Plans For Stagnant Future And Council Uncertainty
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 5:38 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
Council forecasting to inform the plan predicts the district will face negative economic growth and eventually a falling population. More >>
Te Awamutu High Schoolers Call For Crossing After Near Misses
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 3:42 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Petition creator James Crowhurst put the case to Waipā District Council on Wednesday. “Sometimes the driver will stop for me on one side & I need to run across because the driver on the other side has no intention of slowing down” he said. More >>
Bridge To Re-Open In Tararua But Not For All
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 3:35 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
Alternative routes, such as the Mangaone Valley Road and Pa Valley Road detours, would remain in place for heavy vehicles no longer permitted to use the bridge. More >>
Bin Inspections Having Desired Effect In Tough-Love Southland
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 3:32 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
A three-strike system is in place at Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council and Gore District Council, meaning those who are caught with contamination in their bins multiple times lose them and must apply for reinstatement. More >>
Illegal Dumping Falls After Council Steps In
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 3:27 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
“Measures introduced included new signage, video surveillance & infringement notices. We also work with our contractor to ensure waste is removed promptly & to identify when & where illegal dumping occurs,” said Waste solutions manager Luke Knight. More >>
Taruheru River Pathway: Contractor Expected By End Of August As Funding Still Sought
Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 3:21 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
“If we can do it right and get all the funding and put it in place, I’m really confident that we can move things and make impactful change,” said Tairāwhiti Trails trustee Lyall Evans. More >>
