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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Masterton Rates Increase Lower Than Projected As Council Adopts Stretched But Doable Annual Plan
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 5:27 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The increase was down from the 6.5% initially signalled in Masterton District Council's long-term plan, and lower again from the 5.2% it consulted on earlier this year. More >>
Four Roads To Reform: South Waikato Seeks Public Say On Council Future
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 4:41 pm | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
The options were discussed at the South Waikato District meeting held on June 25. Local councils have until August 9 to tell central government who they want to partner up with. More >>
'It Could Lead To A Larger Increase': Mayor Warns Of Next Year's Rates Risk
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 4:31 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Western Bay Mayor James Denyer said in Thursday’s meeting he had “lingering concerns” about his district’s rates increase being “much lower” than previously expected. More >>
Porirua By-Election Set For October 16
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 4:10 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Nominations open July 9 and close at 12pm on August 6. Voting begins through postal on September 14 and runs until October 16. More >>
Selwyn Huts Locals Celebrate 'Right To Live Peacefully In Homes'
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 4:04 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
The threat of eviction was due to the lack of a sustainable, compliant wastewater system and the rising climate change and flood risks from Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. More >>
Who Actually Cares? Hamilton People On Council Amalgamation
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 3:18 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Everyday Hamiltonians shared their thoughts on local council amalgamation. More >>
ACT Candidate Resigns After Chinese Political Group Link Revealed
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 3:01 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
An ACT candidate has withdrawn from a new Wellington electorate race at November’s election, after failing to declare her previous membership of a Chinese political group linked to the country’s ruling communist party. After Local Democracy Reporting ... More >>
The Biggest Lesson From Ruapehu’s Eruptions Wasn't Scientific - It Was Relationships
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 10:22 am | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
The central North Island eruptions 30 years ago transformed New Zealand's approach to volcanic risk – and also the network of relationships that now underpins emergency management. More >>
Rotorua State Highway 30 Intersection Upgrade Stalls As NZTA, Council Clash Over Funding
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 9:20 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
NZTA and Rotorua Lakes Council disagree on which of them should pay for the SH30 upgrade. More >>
Community Pushback On Cathedral Cove International Visitor Charges
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 9:12 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Almost 70 people descended on the Hahei Community Hall to provide commentary on the Department of Conservation proposal to charge an estimated $20 to $40 for entry to the Coromandel site, according to DoC's minutes of the meeting. More >>
Only 16 Māori Land Homes In Five Years: Tauranga Launches Support Fund
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 9:01 am | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Te Awanui Ward councillor Hēmi Rolleston said Tauranga was one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities, yet only 16 code compliance certificates had been issued for homes on Māori land in the past five years. More >>
‘Difficult Conversations Ahead’: Mayor Warns Rates Cap A Threat To Services
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 8:56 am | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
The Ruapehu council's Levels of Service Review will be undertaken in preparation for next year's new 10-year Long-Term Plan 2027-37, to understand which services can be sustained under tighter financial constraints. More >>
Add More Buses Before Setting $20 Fare Cap - ECan Chair
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 8:51 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Canterbury chairperson Dr Deon Swiggs says Labour's policy of a weekly $20 bus cap cap will save some commuters money, but investment in buses and infrastructure is more urgent. More >>
Fewer Than 3% Of Horizons Residents Submit On Council Reforms
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 8:42 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop told Local Democracy Reporting there was “broad dissatisfaction” with duplications and historic inefficiencies in local government he felt could be reduced through council reforms. More >>
Cost To Save Popular Hutt River Crossing More Than Doubles To At Least $12m
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 8:35 am | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The Hutt City Council had to demolish the old walkway for KiwiRail to replace the sleepers and rail on the rail bridge. More >>
Officials Weigh-In On Mackenzie’s Unsanctioned Council Meetings
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 8:31 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
A spokesperson for the Ombudsman said council business must be conducted in an “open, transparent, and democratically accountable manner” under the Local Government Act 2002. More >>
Portaloos Out In Masterton, School Closed
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 8:07 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Nelson was told by the council to close Lakeview School on Monday due to mass stormwater infiltration in the surrounding sewer network over the weekend. More >>
Unclaimed Boats At Porirua May Be Part Of Wider Cost Of Living Problem
Monday, 29 June 2026, 8:01 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Last week, Northland Regional Council’s harbourmaster’s office warned those planning to buy an ageing boat should think about the costs. More >>
Electric Bus Fleet Coming As Go Bus Loses Hawke’s Bay City Routes To Tranzit
Monday, 29 June 2026, 7:54 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
An electric bus fleet will be on the urban roads of Napier and Hastings around August 2027. More >>
South Wairarapa Helps Fund Wellington Music Centre
Monday, 29 June 2026, 7:41 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
It would be home to New Zealand’s first symphonic-sized specialist recording studios and cutting-edge facilities to support post-production for the film industry and live digital broadcasting. More >>
