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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Dogs Banned From Coromandel’s Most Popular Beaches Ahead Of Summer
Friday, 6 November 2026, 6:21 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Popular Whangamatā, Hāhei, Buffalo,and Matarangi beaches will see dogs banned from the beach for periods of time. More >>
For Sale: Southland Council Building. Disco Ball Negotiable
Friday, 6 November 2026, 6:11 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
The property on Invercargill's Forth St has been advertised as “an iconic Southland landmark”, with listing photos providing a glimpse behind the scenes. More >>
Ngāti Porou Calls For Scrutiny Of Gisborne District Council Forestry Record
Friday, 6 November 2026, 6:07 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
The panel found the Crown’s historical involvement in regional forestry meant greater support was needed beyond appointing facilitator Doug Leeder. More >>
Selwyn Water Reviews Response To Burst Water Main In Central Rolleston
Friday, 6 November 2026, 6:01 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Selwyn Water Limited is currently in its first year of operation managing the district's drinking water and wastewater networks. More >>
Soak Used Fireworks: New Plymouth Council Says Water The Way To Avoid Fire
Friday, 6 November 2026, 5:54 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
Making sure fireworks are completely wet – and only go in the red-lid landfill bin – helps reduce the risk of fires at home, in collection trucks, and at our district’s Material Recovery Facility. More >>
Ashburton Councillor Throws Shadow Of Doubt On Solar Expansion
Friday, 6 November 2026, 5:40 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Electricity costs the council around $1.77m a year, and introducing solar power could reduce that by $400,000 per year, but setting up a solar farm to generate the power could cost over $5m. More >>
‘Council Needs A Good Kick In The Backside’: Boy Racers Rattle Residents
Friday, 6 November 2026, 5:26 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
The speed table on Great North Road, at the intersection of Kirby Street in Glendene, was removed in October costing ratepayers an estimated $140,000. More >>
Canterbury's Regional Council Lays Out Priorities For Next Government
Friday, 6 November 2026, 5:23 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Canterbury's chair and deputy chair have laid out seven priorities for the next Government. More >>
The Facts And Figures Surrounding Saturday’s General Election
Friday, 6 November 2026, 1:14 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The election is heating up ahead of election day on Saturday, November 7. More >>
City Bus Routes May Be Chopped To Bolster Rangiora, Rolleston
Friday, 6 November 2026, 1:10 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Environment Canterbury is being forced to review its city bus routes due to funding constraints, as it looks to bolster its Rangiora and Rolleston links. More >>
Lower Rates And Better Services ‘A Bit Unrealistic’, Economist Says
Friday, 6 November 2026, 1:07 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen said residents and ratepayers cannot realistically demand lower rates while expecting the council to deliver "the same, if not greater services" over time. More >>
'Our Voice Is Needed': Tairāwhiti Wāhine Bring Local Action To UN Talks
Friday, 6 November 2026, 1:03 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
"Conversations with indigenous representatives, scientists and international companies reinforced the need for indigenous participation in environmental decision-making," said Ruatōria-raised Miria Koia. More >>
Council Ignores Staff, Mana Whenua Advice On Voting Rights
Friday, 6 November 2026, 12:56 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
In June, Local Government Minister Simon Watts said there were examples of individuals being given voting rights on council committees without being elected, which was "not democratic". More >>
Luxon Visits Vineyard On Campaign Trail: ‘It’s An Exciting Time To Be A Winemaker'
Thursday, 5 November 2026, 10:40 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
Luxon mingled with about 70 business leaders and party faithful, accompanied by deputy leader Nicola Willis and Kaikōura electorate candidate Stuart Smith, at Small Town Winery in Blenheim on Tuesday morning. More >>
Methven's Peace Tree Axed After 107 Years
Thursday, 5 November 2026, 10:36 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Nordqvist, a former district councillor, said he was devastated when the Ashburton District Council cut down the tree in early October after it was deemed to be in severe decline and a safety risk. More >>
Manawatū-Whanganui Regional Council To Make ‘Trade-Offs’ Ahead Of Rates Caps
Thursday, 5 November 2026, 10:23 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
High inflation and incoming rates capping meant Horizons Regional Council would need to make “trade-offs” to fund new and continued services in Manawatū-Whanganui, chairwoman Nikki Riley said. More >>
Election 2026: Labour’s Taupō Candidate Chris Flatt Says Energy Reform Key To Job Sustainability
Thursday, 5 November 2026, 10:20 am | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
Incumbent MP Louise Upston has held the Taupō seat for six consecutive terms since defeating Labour’s Mark Burton in 2008. More >>
Asset Boom Softens Mackenzie’s More Than $3 Million Operating Deficit
Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 7:30 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
The Mackenzie District Council adopted its Annual Report last week, which confirmed expenditure of $37.9m against revenue of $34.7m for the 2025/26 financial year. More >>
New Wellington Walking Tracks Open By Christmas
Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 7:24 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The Greater Wellington Regional Council said on Tuesday that existing farm tracks at the former Gollan’s Valley Station would be marked for recreational use and open to the public by December 19. More >>
Council Urges More Detail On Taranaki Maunga Plan
Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 7:17 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
The plan will set out how Te Papa-kura-o-Taranaki national park is protected, restored, accessed and used. More >>
