Local Democracy Reporting

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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]

Kaikōura Candidate Called Out For Being Late To Meeting

Friday, 16 October 2026, 8:01 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter

Oliver had entered a few minutes into Chambers’s introductions. Four other candidates were already sat along a wall about to make their opening statements to the half-full room of about 30 people on Tuesday. More >>

Taranaki Marae Sees 400 Percent Power Bill Rise After Solar Install

Friday, 16 October 2026, 7:54 am | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting

Poor advice and industry assumptions made the solar installation on Ōwae's new wharekai in Taranaki unnecessarily expensive, said Manukorihi Pā Trust secretary Roina Graham. More >>

West Coast Ratepayers Face Soaring Bill For Combined Plan

Friday, 16 October 2026, 7:50 am | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter

The government has contributed just $200,000 towards the plan, which began in 2019 and has been plagued by budget blowouts. More >>

Councils ‘Left In Limbo’: Reforms, Rates Caps Debated At LGNZ Conference

Friday, 16 October 2026, 7:45 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter

Councils are more trusted than Government as reform debate dominates Rotorua conference. More >>

New Whangārei Chief Executive Appointed For Pivotal Two-Year Reform Period

Friday, 16 October 2026, 7:41 am | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter

Howse will become only the fourth chief executive to lead Whangārei District Council in almost 30 years. More >>

Rangiora Community Hub Project Seeks Go Ahead From Council

Friday, 16 October 2026, 7:36 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The proposed multi-million dollar Southbrook Community Recreation Hub at Rangiora's Southbrook Park is slowly progressing. More >>

Kaikōura Flood Repairs Progressing — But Who Will Pay?

Friday, 16 October 2026, 7:33 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The Kaikōura District Council is getting on with repairs from the July 7 flood, while awaiting funding decisions. More >>

'Fill Them With Laughter': Ngāti Awa Opens More Homes On Māori Land

Friday, 16 October 2026, 7:29 am | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

The opening ceremony for stage one of Kawarehe Kāinga Māori was held on Tuesday, with 16 new rental homes ready for tenants to move in and another 16 to come next year. More >>

Former Whakatāne Mayor Aims To Add 'Unique Voice' To Bay Of Plenty Regional Council

Friday, 16 October 2026, 7:25 am | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

Victor Luca, who served as mayor of Whakatāne from 2022 to 2025, signed a declaration to carry out his duties as a member of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council at a meeting on Monday. More >>

“Concerns Raised”: Ashburton Market Day Under Review

Friday, 16 October 2026, 7:23 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

Council’s compliance and development group manager Ian Hyde said a debrief and/or review is normal practice for events approved by council. More >>

Masterton Council's CBD Headquarters Reopens For Business

Friday, 16 October 2026, 7:20 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

The staff cafeteria was modest, furniture had been reused, and artworks that hung on the walls of the former town hall were waiting to be displayed again. More >>

Council Staff Narrowly Avoid Head-On Collisions

Friday, 16 October 2026, 7:17 am | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter

Kereikeepa’s report said a third incident involved a council vehicle that hit a tree in low light, with adverse weather conditions contributing. More >>

Public Asked To Help Determine Direction Of East Coast Marine Reserve

Friday, 16 October 2026, 7:14 am | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter

Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve chairwoman Mahora Edwards (Ngāti Konohi) said the reserve was established with future generations in mind and the review was an opportunity to consider what came next. More >>

Pressure Brings Public Toilet Relief To Featherston

Friday, 16 October 2026, 7:10 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

Upgrades to the town's public toilets aimed to improve the facility’s condition, safety, accessibility and long-term reliability, while retaining their external structure, which was designed to resemble a rail coach. More >>

Marine Precinct Sale: Audit Review Finds Process Okay But Communication Lacking

Thursday, 15 October 2026, 9:54 am | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter

In a letter to the council last week, principal inquiries specialist Andrew Goddard said the Audit Office reconsidered because of new issues raised, further information provided, and time that has passed since the previous decision. More >>

Jamie Arbuckle Unfazed By Demotion On NZ First List

Thursday, 15 October 2026, 9:49 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter

October 13, 2026 Marlborough Despite a tumble down the party list, NZ First candidate Jamie Arbuckle is confident he will be re-entering Parliament after the election. The release of the list last week revealed four of the eight sitting NZ First MPs ... More >>

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