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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Urgent Plea To Save Water In Greytown And Featherston
Friday, 24 July 2026, 10:08 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The council said conserving water now would help maintain supply for everyone if repairs took longer than expected. More >>
Hastings Councillor Moves Out Of Region To Chase Parliament Ambitions
Friday, 24 July 2026, 9:55 am | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Steve Gibson, who has been selected as the NZ First candidate for Rangitīkei in the upcoming general election, says he remains committed to his council role. More >>
Sydney Opera House Or Hauraki's Newest Library? New Facility To Transform Community
Friday, 24 July 2026, 9:47 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Perched in the same place as its bulldozed predecessor, the facility came in just under the $4.6 million budget and opened on Wednesday. More >>
North Canterbury Councils Keep Door Open For Kaikōura Merger
Friday, 24 July 2026, 9:41 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Waimakariri And Hurunui District Councils Continue To Discuss Merger Options And Have Left The Door Open To Working With The Kaikōura District Council. More >>
Golf Course-To-Housing Proposal For North Canterbury Not Yet On Fast-Track Radar
Friday, 24 July 2026, 9:17 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop's office has confirmed no referral application has been lodged yet to fast-track a proposal to convert the Pegasus Golf Course into housing. More >>
Southern Taranaki Councils Propose Wedding Without New Plymouth
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:32 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
Early in May the Government ordered councils to amalgamate, aiming for simpler and cheaper local government. More >>
Consultation Fatigue? South Auckland Leaders Urge Community To Speak Up
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:28 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
The plans will guide local priorities and investment on parks, community facilities, youth programmes, environmental projects and neighbourhood improvements over the next three years. More >>
Falcon Sanctuary Prepares For Bird Flu With Shoe Baths And Visitor Restrictions
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:23 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
To reduce the chance of bringing bird flu into the Fairhall falcon sanctuary, Turner said last week they started using disinfectant "shoe dips" during entry and exit. More >>
Wairarapa Council Claws Back Consent Costs From Greytown Solar Farm
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:19 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
South Wairarapa District Council had sought costs against Far North Solar Farm for expenses it incurred in a lengthy Environment Court process. More >>
Wairarapa Flooding Weighs Heavily On Regional Council Candidates
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:12 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
By listening, planning strategically, and investing wisely, we can build a more resilient river management system that better safeguards the Wairarapa for future generations. More >>
Roading Budget In Manawatū Bolstered By $3M To Tackle Storm Damage
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:08 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
The district council had announced its annual budget in June and a lower-than-expected rates increase, but these roading expenses were not included as NZTA had yet to confirm the emergency works claim from February. More >>
‘Another Employer Lost’: Marton Malt Mill Set To Shut
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:04 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
Rangitīkei mayor Andy Watson says the looming closure of Marton Maltings would leave families across the wider region without the long-term, stable employment the industry had once offered. More >>
Finding The 'Sweet Spot' For Nelson's New Cycleway
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 5:01 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Everyone is supportive of the East-West Cycleway, but some stakeholders have concerns over the potential route and layout. More >>
Bishop Doubles Down Against PC1 Adoption, Waikato Farming Figures Want Certainty
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 3:01 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Minister Chris Bishop says he would like an amendment to be investigated, but remained tight-lipped over what it would look like. More >>
Three Potential Designs For Gisborne’s Blackpool Reserve Upgrade Unveiled
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 2:26 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
The three designs, made in partnership with Tūranga Health, E Tū Elgin and Whiti Ora, now have a wider opportunity to be shaped by the community, said council director of liveable communities Michèle Frey. More >>
Fewer Auckland Bottle Shops Being Robbed: Report
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 1:59 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillor and chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee Josephine Bartley said data from the report was extremely encouraging. More >>
Crunch Time On Whether To Save Or Scrap Ōhope Beach Walking Track
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 12:59 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
The track between West End and Ōtarawairere, part of Ngā Tapuwae o Toi, has been closed by Whakatāne District Council, pending a decision on whether to reinstate it. More >>
Mayor Tanczos Questions 'destructive' Scrapping Of Council-Iwi Agreements
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 12:22 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
"Why on earth would the Government want to throw those on the scrapheap? I don't understand what they think they're gaining from it," asks Whakatāne Mayor Nandor Tanczos. More >>
Rotorua Councillors Admit Pensioner Housing Failures
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 10:31 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Community housing provider Emerge Aotearoa took over management of Rotorua Lakes Council’s 152-unit pensioner housing portfolio in March, following a lengthy review of the way the service was operated. More >>
Dog Owners Push Back As Bay Councils Hike Registration Costs Again
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 10:26 am | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Western Bay of Plenty District Council dog registration fees for the 2026/27 year are $154 for a non-neutered dog. More >>
