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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Gisborne Gambling Proceeds Fall But Still 21% Above NZ Average
Monday, 21 September 2026, 5:05 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillor Rawinia Parata said while social support was not the council's responsibility, insight into behaviour, impacts and collaboration potential would be valuable. More >>
Work Continues On Endangered West Coast Tree Daisy
Monday, 21 September 2026, 4:59 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
The Charleston tree daisy has been listed as nationally critical since 2012, with fewer than 40 reproductive plants remaining on the West Coast. More >>
Wallabies, Catfish, Crabs: Pest Report Card Reveals Wins And Losses
Monday, 21 September 2026, 4:56 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
It found 92 percent of pest management programmes were on track and no new pests became established. More >>
'Super Disgusting': Cause Of Odour Remains A Mystery
Monday, 21 September 2026, 4:49 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Investigations into the discharge began immediately, but after three months the cause has still not been identified. In a statement this month, Summers said the council investigation was complete. More >>
Proposed Cell Tower Ruffles Feathers In Twizel
Monday, 21 September 2026, 4:47 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
Community board chairperson Mary Murdoch said the tower would be built in the town centre, between the car park and tennis courts, despite two existing towers already standing within 200m of the site. More >>
Kaniere, Goldsborough Camps Marked Out
Monday, 21 September 2026, 4:31 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
DOC West Coast director of operations Owen Kilgour said everyone visiting the campsites wanted reassurance they had somewhere to pitch their tent. More >>
Pegasus Flying Fox Plans On Hold, But Greenlight For Dodgeball
Monday, 21 September 2026, 4:27 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
A proposal to establish a flying fox in Pegasus have been shelved until a suitable location can be found. More >>
Dog Trainer Told She Needs Concession For Park She Had Used For Years
Monday, 21 September 2026, 4:21 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Mandy Wood says she is relieved to have a way to return to Donovan Park, after previously being told she could not use it and might face fines if she tried. More >>
Hastings Council Ends Year With Debt $55.3M Below Budget
Monday, 21 September 2026, 4:17 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Mayor Wendy Schollum said the results showed the council had managed its budgets carefully while continuing to invest in essential infrastructure and recovery work. More >>
Hastings Residents Seek Review Of Kāinga Ora Development: ‘Like Sardines In A Tin’
Monday, 21 September 2026, 3:20 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Russell said the group was not opposed to development. Kāinga Ora’s initial plan for the area was for a 32-home development across two sites, but this has been scaled back due to the group’s concerns. More >>
Whangārei's Beach Driving Ban Showdown Heads To Hearing Next Week
Monday, 21 September 2026, 2:26 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
The council’s plans to close this part of Uretiti Beach to vehicles under the proposed Vehicles on Beaches Bylaw have drawn support and criticism. More >>
Controversial Ruakākā Ocean Sewage Pipeline Moves Closer
Monday, 21 September 2026, 2:17 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
The proposal would see treated wastewater from a planned new Ruakākā wastewater treatment plant at Rama Road near Marsden Point discharged into the ocean. More >>
'Oh, I'm Out Too': Six Marlborough Councillors Declare Conflicts Of Interest In Funding Round
Monday, 21 September 2026, 2:13 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
Six of Marlborough’s 15 councillors have been forced to leave the council chamber due to conflicts of interest ahead of discussing community group grants. More >>
Strengthening El Niño Starting To Be Felt Across Northland - Regional Council
Monday, 21 September 2026, 2:10 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
El Niño conditions strengthened considerably during August and have shown the strongest warming trend on record, with impacts on Northland's weather patterns already beginning to emerge, the report said. More >>
Wellington Mayor Blasts Museum's 'Mish-Mash, Hodgepodge' Displays
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:33 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Estimates from earlier this month showed the entire project could cost $15m, including expenses to move out from The Bond Store. More >>
Tairāwhiti Visitor Spending Rises Despite 9% Fall In Visitor Days
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:30 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Visitor days from the United States and Canada increased 29%, while those from Asian countries excluding China, Japan and South Korea, increased 22%. More >>
Wairarapa Farmers Brace For Big Dry Spell
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:25 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
GWRC director for knowledge and insights Dave Hipkins said the current forecast indicated “it’s going to be one of the strongest events on record” and the highest drought risk was expected this summer. More >>
New Plymouth Council Staff Told Off For Lack Of Kōrero On Revamp
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:22 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
The council’s Future Local Government programme director Helen Gray admitted the shortfall to Te Huinga Taumatua – the iwi advisory committee. More >>
Council Hits The Accelerator On Rolleston Ring-Road Roundabout
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:18 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Head of capital works David Spriggs said the request was about going to the market to get tenders, not awarding a contract, and signalling the money would be available to make a stronger push for co-funding. More >>
Ashburton Council Eyes 10% Rates Cap Ahead Of Government's 4% Limit
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:14 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Ashburton Mayor Liz McMillan says the council is looking at a sliding scale of rates caps in its long-term plan, which sets out its budget and priorities for 2027-37. More >>
