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]

Political Candidate Bitten While Campaigning - Here's How He'd Change Dog Control Laws

Thursday, 24 September 2026, 8:54 am | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter

Tukituki Act candidate Rob Douglas says he knocked on a door in Havelock North over the weekend and a dog came from behind the house and “took a nip at my elbow”. More >>

More Eyes On Vandals And Boy Racers In Waikato District

Thursday, 24 September 2026, 8:47 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter

The 15 cameras around the area have been put in known hotspots for issues such as boy racing or vandalism, Waikato District Mayor Aksel Bech said. More >>

No Discount On New City Bin Service Despite Three-Month Delay

Thursday, 24 September 2026, 8:43 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter

While the new system is still copping flak on social media, the Rotorua Lakes Council maintains the benefits will outweigh the costs. More >>

Auckland Retirees Plead For Bus Shelter To Protect Against Elements

Thursday, 24 September 2026, 8:40 am | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter

For years, residents of Evelyn Page Retirement Village in Ōrewa have been told bus stop 4573 at West Hoe Road did not qualify for a shelter because it was under utilised. More >>

Council Approves $500,000 To Tackle Systemic Flaws Exposed In Landslide Review

Thursday, 24 September 2026, 8:37 am | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter

The council commissioned former High Court judge Paul Davison, KC, to look into the fatal January 22 landslide from Mauao, which killed six holidaymakers in a council-owned campground. More >>

Council Funding Will Help Curb Suicide Risk For Taranaki Māmā

Thursday, 24 September 2026, 8:33 am | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting

Hapū Wānanga ki Taranaki – which runs two-day courses to prepare whānau for labour, birth and parenting – has a new office in Bell Block and asked New Plymouth District Council for $5000 to help with the fit-out. More >>

Destination Playground In Masterton Set For A Refresh

Thursday, 24 September 2026, 8:31 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

The Kids Own Playground was built and painted in just under a week in 1999 with the help of about 2300 volunteers. More >>

Fears Feilding Will ‘Resemble A Circus’ If Marquee Installed

Thursday, 24 September 2026, 8:27 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter

The off-the-agenda idea in place of a permanent cover in the town square was voted in by all but three councillors and would cost roughly $25,000. More >>

Community Hub, Larger Industrial Area On Cards In Amberley Master Plan

Thursday, 24 September 2026, 8:23 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The Hurunui District Council is working on a central Amberley master plan to support growth in the town, with the potential for investment in a community hub, a library extension, and expanding commercial and industrial areas. More >>

Stopbank Upgrade Begins At ‘Vulnerable’ Awatoto

Thursday, 24 September 2026, 8:07 am | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter

The 3.6km work on the Brookfields Lower stopbank will strengthen and raise it, but won’t protect the area from a Cyclone Gabrielle-size flood. More >>

Student Leaders Present Their Ideas To Waimakariri Mayor

Thursday, 24 September 2026, 8:03 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Young leaders from 24 North Canterbury schools attended the Waimakariri student leadership forum with Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon on Monday, September 21. More >>

Taupō: Taiopenga Tūwharetoa Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Tuesday, 22 September 2026, 1:05 pm | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter

“I think festival was a deliberate term because it talked about celebration rather than a competitive thing,” said Te Ururoa Flavell on why he & his fellow teachers decided on starting a taiopenga (festival) instead of a whakataetae (competition). More >>

Winter Storms Leave Masterton Council Fund In The Red

Tuesday, 22 September 2026, 12:57 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

“The cumulative effect of repeated events on an already-saturated network is a growing pressure on both the roading asset & council's emergency works budgets,” said Masterton District Council’s roading services manager Kaine Jaquiery in his ... More >>