Local Democracy Reporting

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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]

Hawke’s Bay Mayors Back Lower Rates Rises But Warn A Cap Could Force Hard Choices

Friday, 28 August 2026, 6:22 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter

Foley, Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum and Napier Mayor Richard McGrath said they agreed that rates needed to be more affordable and councils more efficient. More >>

Gisborne Indoor Sports Centre: Council Considers $31.39m Project At Childers Rd

Friday, 28 August 2026, 6:13 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter

The three multipurpose courts would provide three netball, basketball and futsal courts, five volleyball courts and 12 badminton courts, the meeting heard. More >>

Invercargill Council Votes Against Māori Ward Following 'Slam Dunk' Feedback

Friday, 28 August 2026, 6:09 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter

Mayor Tom Campbell said the views of rūnaka and mata waka had been respected in the past and should be given "particular weight". More >>

Kaikōura Businesses Step Up To Comply With Dark Sky Rules

Friday, 28 August 2026, 6:06 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust has been working with local businesses to help them comply with the lighting rules in the Kaikōura District Plan. More >>

Managing Student Attendance Complex In A Rural School - Board Chair

Friday, 28 August 2026, 6:03 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Attendance has been improving this year North Canterbury's largest school, but it has been "decimated" by sickness this term. More >>

Councils Face Rates Cap While Footing Bill For Amalgamation

Friday, 28 August 2026, 6:00 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

The cap will apply to all rates, including general and targeted rates, but not water charges and non-rates user-pays charges. More >>

Councillors Annual Travel, Food And Training Costs Part Of 100k Budget Blowout

Friday, 28 August 2026, 9:02 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter

Council chief executive Michael McCartney was investigating ways to reduce catering costs in the future, and he joked on Wednesday that councillors’ lunches may need to become no more than “dry crackers and water” to save money. More >>

Report Reveals Rotorua Council Staff Burnout Concerns, Public Abuse

Friday, 28 August 2026, 8:59 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter

Mayor: 'Given the pressures we are under ... things can become very challenging.' More >>

Rakaia's New Water Meters Struggle With Wi-Fi Reception

Friday, 28 August 2026, 8:53 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

Council water services manager Ulrich Glasner spoke about the Wi-Fi reception issues during the council's three water committee meeting on Wednesday. More >>

Wellington Council Recommends Minister To Scrap Heritage Listings

Friday, 28 August 2026, 8:48 am | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter

It also asked RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop to change heritage protections on an area around Courtenay Place encompassing six streets, extending the height limit of non-heritage buildings. More >>

‘A Big Blow’: Tourism NZ Pulls Funding For Marlborough’s Trade Marketing

Friday, 28 August 2026, 7:41 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter

Without the funding, Destination Marlborough (DM), & by extension the council, would have to fund the trade trips themselves, but the tourism agency didn’t have money for any more marketing programmes, DM general manager Tracey Green said. More >>

'Tenacity' Pays Off In Community's Battle Against Gravel Trucks

Thursday, 27 August 2026, 5:26 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

A Canterbury gravel extraction contractor has agreed to change the gravel truck route after public pressure. More >>

Eastern Bay Of Plenty Seat Candidates United On Fairness, Local Voice Concerns

Thursday, 27 August 2026, 5:26 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

Four of the five candidates attended the forum, hosted by Ōpōtiki Grey Power at the Ōpōtiki Senior Citizens Hall, with about 20 attendees across two sessions. More >>

Gisborne Cyclone Road Repairs Almost Complete

Thursday, 27 August 2026, 5:21 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter

Work at seven sites between Whakaangiangi and Pōtaka following the January weather event was on schedule to finish over summer. More >>

Waikato Mayors Come Out Swinging At Government's Rates Cap

Thursday, 27 August 2026, 5:21 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter

“This country is slowly going backwards because of the complete disconnect between central and local government, and they're buying into a rhetoric from people saying our rates are out of control," said Hauraki District Council mayor Toby Adams. More >>