Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Local Democracy Reporting
Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.
Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Where Should Nelson’s New $70m-Plus Civic Centre Go?
Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 10:52 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
The facility will combine the council building with library and community hub services, and will cost between $73 and $88 million, depending on where people want it to be located. More >>
Forced Amalgamations Leave Taupō District Worse Off, Council Says
Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 10:47 am | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
Taupō District Council staff were directed in June to investigate four amalgamation options for elected members to consider. More >>
'We Don’t Need Wi-Fi': Plans For Rustic Park Raises Questions
Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 10:42 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
Council parks and open spaces manager Jane Tito told Local Democracy Reporting that wi-fi, along with power and water supply, had been part of the park’s design since it was proposed in 2022 as it would allow the park to be used for events. More >>
New Whangārei Beach Bans Target 4WD Hotspot
Monday, 27 July 2026, 7:20 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Uretiti South beach is facing a vehicle beach ban under Whangārei District Council's proposed new bylaw. More >>
Government Won’t Be Drawn On Northland Merger Bid As Kaipara Breaks Ranks
Monday, 27 July 2026, 7:08 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Northland's Paihia and Bay of Islands would be part of a Far North unitary authority with regional council functions by the 2028 local elections under Northland-generated amalgamation proposals to be sent to the Government by August 9. More >>
Lake Rotorua’s Latest Weed Clean-Up Removes 135 Tonnes, Costs $31,500
Monday, 27 July 2026, 6:22 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Councils are still seeking a long-term solution to the pricey ongoing issue. More >>
'Ambitious' Plan Unveiled To Drive Up Bus Use
Monday, 27 July 2026, 6:15 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
The council has drafted its regional public transport plan for 2026-36. It is available for public consultation until August 6. More >>
Waikato Business Forum To Examine Council Merger Options
Monday, 27 July 2026, 6:02 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Chamber chief executive Don Good said the panel was assembled in response to a "lack of information" about the local government reorganisation process. More >>
'Traumatic Experience' At Southland Cemetery Due To Drainage Issues
Monday, 27 July 2026, 5:47 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillor Andrea de Vries told a council meeting on Tuesday she had been contacted about a "pretty traumatic experience" at Greenpoint Cemetery. More >>
Council Requests Police Help After Staff Face Abuse
Monday, 27 July 2026, 5:37 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Two of those were deemed “high-potential” and involved the police. More >>
Kaikōura Mayor Urges People To Visit - Just Avoid The Rural Roads
Monday, 27 July 2026, 4:24 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle says the town is open for business, despite this month's major flood event. More >>
Mana Whenua 'Critical' For Council Planning In North Canterbury
Monday, 27 July 2026, 4:20 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury's council leaders say there are no major surprises in the changes to the RMA replacement legislation, but mana whenua relationships remain a priority, regardless of legislation. More >>
Record Number Of Humpback Whales Spotted Off Kaikōura Coast
Monday, 27 July 2026, 4:12 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaikōura Whale Festival on Sunday was a chance to celebrate the giants of the ocean, the Kaikōura Ocean Research Institute says. More >>
Crossword And Crisis Calls Encumber Council Customer Services
Monday, 27 July 2026, 4:07 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
More than 8000 people contact Nelson City Council seeking help each month, and the council wants to cut those numbers down. More >>
One Small Community, Two Markets: Sanson Market Set To Change
Monday, 27 July 2026, 4:02 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
This Sunday would be the last session at the Manawatū site for the flea market, however, the community market that had been running beside the flea market for more than 20 years would continue as usual. More >>
Gisborne Leaders Vow New Events After Rhythm And Vines Exit
Monday, 27 July 2026, 3:57 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz says she remains optimistic new opportunities will emerge to attract visitors to the region. More >>
Upper Hutt And Kāpiti Coast Not Out Of The Wellington Amalgamation Woods
Monday, 27 July 2026, 3:52 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
A leaked email on Thursday from Wellington mayor Andrew Little to his councillors revealed Upper Hutt’s unwillingness to sign up to a Wellington metro authority with Lower Hutt, Wellington City and Porirua. More >>
Merger Vote Draws Near For Wairarapa
Monday, 27 July 2026, 2:25 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors across Wairarapa have been discussing high level analyses behind closed doors for months, but with the deadline for proposal submissions drawing near, they must now decide which proposal outline they will put to Cabinet by August 9. More >>
Govt Special Interest In Sika Deer Empowers Hunters
Monday, 27 July 2026, 2:20 pm | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
Minister for Hunting and Fishing, James Meager, announced the North Island’s first Herd of Special Interest last week, which is meant to see sika deer managed under a clearer, more coordinated framework. More >>
'Not Good Enough': Councillors Question 80% Building Inspection Failure Rate
Monday, 27 July 2026, 2:14 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
Mackenzie District Council operations and regulatory services manager Neil Jorgensen presented the figure as part of his building report at Tuesday’s council meeting, and said 117 of 151 inspections had failed in June. More >>
