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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Red Warnings Issued To Hundreds Of Recycling Rule Breakers
Wednesday, 15 April 2026, 5:04 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
The clean recycling message has been slow to kick in for some Southland residents, more than one year after bin inspections began in the region. More >>
Fish And Chips Farewell As Waikato Expressway Extension Forces Family From Long-Held Home
Wednesday, 15 April 2026, 4:25 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The buying process with NZ Transport Agency has added to the stress, the owners say. More >>
‘Devastating’ Scenes As Wildlife Lay Dead On Dry Lakebed In Manawatū
Wednesday, 15 April 2026, 3:05 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
"These are taonga species which have been part of our lives and our tūpuna lives for many years." More >>
Rolleston Emergency Hub Plan At Risk As Council Eyes Housing Profits
Tuesday, 14 April 2026, 5:18 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Helpet Park sits undeveloped in the centre of Rolleston, and the Selwyn District Council has been working with agencies to build an emergency services hub since 2023. More >>
Auckland School Run Chaos Leaves 'Hundreds Late' To Class
Tuesday, 14 April 2026, 5:10 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
A principal of an Auckland school is frustrated that nothing has been done to fix the traffic chaos at one of the country's fastest growing suburbs. More >>
Whanganui Council Accused Of 'Downplaying’ Rebrand Cost By More Than $55,000
Friday, 10 April 2026, 4:38 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Information obtained by the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union shows the council's rebranding project cost $116,899 - nearly double the $61,800 design figure previously cited. More >>
‘The Vineyard Will Have To Close If I Have No Water’: Matahiwi
Friday, 10 April 2026, 4:33 pm | Sue Teodoro - Local Democracy Reporter
An award-winning Wairarapa vineyard is among a raft of commercial operations that could be on the line if a key water race is closed. More >>
Councillor Slams DOC Over Pest Animal Control
Thursday, 9 April 2026, 3:16 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
West Coast Regional Council chief executive Darryl Lew acknowledged there were tensions between regional councils and the government over the eradication of goats, pigs and deer. More >>
Rangiora High Takes Stand Against Rugby Premier Competition
Thursday, 9 April 2026, 3:12 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The move follows a bid from South Island boys' schools to establish a separate competition. More >>
Shoppers Welcome Parking Change At One Of Auckland’s Most Ticketed Streets
Thursday, 9 April 2026, 3:10 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Residents are praising a pilot initiative to increase parking time limits at one of Auckland's most ticketed streets. More >>
Selwyn Households Could Face 18 Percent Water Bill Hike
Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 5:43 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
For an average urban household, using drinking water and wastewater services, the cost could increase by $280. More >>
Political Hopeful Karl Mokaraka Rejects 'Serial Heckling' Label
Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 5:43 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Karl Mokaraka has been removed from Parliament and disrupted political events. He now has his sights set on running for the Papatoetoe Local Board. More >>
Wellington Cable Car Merch Sales Soar
Wednesday, 4 March 2026, 3:34 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
A $10 Wellington cable car-themed keychain is selling like hotcakes, while the big chill grips the capital. More >>
Fewer Mobility Park Flouters After 400% Fine Increase
Tuesday, 3 March 2026, 6:17 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
The fine has increased from $150 to $750. More >>
Iwi Opens Houses To Raise Whānau At Home
Tuesday, 3 March 2026, 5:54 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
Ngāti Mutunga has opened new houses to help whānau get into home ownership and grow their family connections on tribal ground. More >>
'We Can Move On': Napier Mayor Names His New Deputy Mayor After Sacking Previous One
Friday, 27 February 2026, 6:04 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Napier City Council mayor Richard McGrath stood down Sally Crown from her duties as deputy mayor in dramatic circumstances earlier this week. More >>
Auckland Mayor Defends Funding Model As Local Boards Face $6M Shortfall
Thursday, 26 February 2026, 6:11 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
A ward councillor claims the Mayor's Office had assured her multiple times last year that funding would be found to help local boards fill the gap. More >>
Whanganui Study Aims To Tackle Growing Mate Wareware (Dementia) Concerns Among Māori
Thursday, 26 February 2026, 6:08 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
A hui brought whānau together to kōrero about recognising the signs and symptoms of dementia, understanding contributing and protective factors, and exploring ways to slow the progression. More >>
‘If The Stars Align, Boom!’: Ngā Wairiki-Ngāti Apa Bets On Green Energy
Friday, 20 February 2026, 2:07 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Ngā Wairiki-Ngāti Apa is staking its claim in NZ's clean energy future, backing a 280-megawatt green hydrogen and methanol project that could deliver climate gains, generational returns and long-term iwi ownership. More >>
Fishing Group Slams Greenpeace Rakaia Salmon Stunt
Friday, 20 February 2026, 2:00 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Protesters defaced the large statue, just weeks after a $300,000 ratepayer-funded refurbishment. More >>
