Local Democracy Reporting

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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]

Cemeteries At Capacity: Families Face Heartbreaking Choices Amid Growing Burial Costs

Saturday, 29 March 2025, 5:40 am | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter

Die-hard Westies will need to find a new resting place as Waikumete Cemetery, New Zealand’s largest, has reached capacity. More >>

Local Water Done Well: Rotorua Looks To Consult On Two Delivery Options

Saturday, 29 March 2025, 5:38 am | Laura Smith - Local Democracy Reporter

Consultation runs from April 4 to May 5, pending approval on April 2. More >>

Cost Shock: West Coast Plan Expenses Released

Saturday, 29 March 2025, 5:36 am | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter

If the committee accepts a recommendation, submitters have 30 days to appeal and resolve the issue through mediation or the Environment Court. More >>

End In Sight For Tasman’s Embattled Speed Limit Reductions

Saturday, 29 March 2025, 5:33 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter

The first phase of long-signalled speed limit reductions will soon begin in Tasman despite the second round of consultation showing strong opposition in some places. More >>

Future Of Raetihi Recycling Facility Left In Limbo

Saturday, 29 March 2025, 5:31 am | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter

The cost of overflowing bins and contaminated recycling had led to discussions about closing the unmanned recycling station on State Highway 4 in Raetihi, about 85 kilometres north of Whanganui. More >>

Wairoa Flood Plan Updated: What It Means For Homes, Showgrounds

Saturday, 29 March 2025, 5:30 am | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter

A revised plan for the Wairoa flood spillway, announced on Wednesday by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC), has halved the number of houses impacted and reduced the area of Māori whenua to only 2ha. More >>

‘No Wait Time, No Booking’: Mobile Clinic Helps Bridge Health Gap

Saturday, 29 March 2025, 5:25 am | Zita Campbell - Local Democracy Reporter

The free clinic operates monthly, offering care without appointments. More >>

Blenheim Passes Air Quality Test, For Now

Friday, 28 March 2025, 8:48 pm | Maia Hart - Local Democracy Reporter

Under environmental standards, the limit for PM10 was more than 50mcg of bigger air pollutants per cubic metre of air. Blenheim was allowed to exceed that limit once a year. More >>

‘We Owe Raetihi An Apology’: Plans To Can Recycling Station Face Push Back

Friday, 28 March 2025, 8:46 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter

Council chief executive Clive Manley told Hadley-Chase the Waimarino-Waiouru Community Board, not the council, was responsible for the decision. More >>

Selwyn Mayor Defends Double-digit Rate Hikes

Friday, 28 March 2025, 8:43 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

Homeowners across New Zealand faced some of the biggest rates rises of their lifetime last year as councils were hit by rising interest rates, higher insurance premiums, and increasing infrastructure costs. More >>

New Parking Rules To Tackle ‘Rude Behaviour’ In Kaikōura

Friday, 28 March 2025, 8:38 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The Kaikōura District Council will consult on a new traffic and parking bylaw. More >>

Council Cautioned Against Māori Ward Bias

Friday, 28 March 2025, 8:36 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter

A binding poll will be held in October alongside this year’s local body elections to decide whether the council will keep its Māori ward. More >>

Hastings CBD Railway Plan: Business Says It’s Time To Bring Cars Back

Friday, 28 March 2025, 8:34 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said while funding constraints during cyclone recovery and cost increases meant many planned city centre projects had been delayed, this one had to be addressed, given the KiwiRail safety work could not be delayed. More >>