Local Democracy Reporting

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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]

Invasive Caulerpa Seaweed Reaches Whangārei Harbour For First Time, Horrifying Locals

Tuesday, 16 June 2026, 7:38 am | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter

About a square metre of the seaweed has been found in Whangārei Heads’ Smugglers Bay, on the north side of the harbour entrance. More >>

Small Town Has 'Cuppa With A Councillor' To Talk Amalgamation Concerns

Tuesday, 16 June 2026, 7:05 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter

Those who didn’t produce a pathway or had theirs rejected, would face Back Stop - the Government’s mandatory process which would be finalised in 2027 and further explained after Head Start. More >>

Costs Down But Rates Up, Wairarapa Amalgamation Report Hints

Tuesday, 16 June 2026, 6:58 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

The Wairarapa unitary authority model would deliver on both district and regional services across Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa, and was one option being explored to address the Government’s amalgamation ultimatum. More >>

Cloudy Future For Ngāti Maru Deals With Taranaki Councils

Tuesday, 16 June 2026, 6:52 am | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting

The iwi is close to confirming a pair of draft agreements setting out how Ngāti Maru and the council will collaborate in future. More >>

Boat Ramp Fees A Prickly Issue For Fishers

Monday, 15 June 2026, 3:00 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

Whakatāne District Council was warned of the potential backlash during a hearing for its new fees and charges schedule on Wednesday, but Mayor Nandor Tanczos and most councillors were prepared to take the risk. More >>

Proposed New Burial Charge ‘Culturally Insensitive’

Monday, 15 June 2026, 2:53 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

“We, as Māori, will never walk away from an open grave. It is culturally insensitive,” said councillor Tu O’Brien during deliberations on the fees and charges schedule for 2026-2027. More >>

New Pool Charges Unpopular With Some In Whakatāne

Monday, 15 June 2026, 2:47 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

The council is proposing raising the entry fees to keep up with rising operating costs and to align with comparable facilities across New Zealand. More >>

Waimakariri District Extends Welcome To Newcomers

Monday, 15 June 2026, 2:34 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The Waimakariri District Council has officially signed its Welcoming Action Plan 2026-29 as it embraces migrants and newcomers. More >>

Why Spend When Change Is Coming, Asks Kaikōura Councillor

Monday, 15 June 2026, 2:29 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

A Kaikōura district councillor has questioned spending ratepayers' money on a regional spatial plan when change is coming. More >>

Hastings District Council To Reconsult On Business Rates After Outcry, Pan Pac Facing 56% Hike

Monday, 15 June 2026, 2:23 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter

Hastings District Council decided late on Thursday to seek further feedback on its Annual Plan’s potential effect on commercial and industrial properties, through a two-week targeted consultation. More >>

Tararua Council Backs Community Desire To Challenge Merger Reforms

Monday, 15 June 2026, 2:21 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter

Of the total votes collected across nine community meetings and through online engagement, 46% called on the council to “fight for a better option”, challenge the current three-month time-frame, and not submit a Head Start proposal by August 9. More >>