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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Mount Maunganui Slip: Full Reopening Of Facilities Could Cost Up To $38m
Tuesday, 1 September 2026, 12:12 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
The massive slip crashed down from Mauao into the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park on January 22, after heavy rain. Seven months on, the council-owned campground and damaged Mount Hot Pools next door remain closed. More >>
Kāpiti Coast Weighs Up $1.4m Splash On Manu Pool
Tuesday, 1 September 2026, 12:02 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
“Deferring construction significantly increases the risk of pool closures due to potential plant failure adding avoidable costs to council,” said the council paper. More >>
No Go For Trucks On 'Low Strength' Dannevirke Bridge
Tuesday, 1 September 2026, 11:53 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
Andrew Desmond network manager for Tararua Alliance acknowledged it was a last minute change for commuters, but he said engineers say the route should be restricted to light vehicles “as soon as practical.” More >>
Pair Deny Filming To ‘Intimidate’ New Plymouth Councillor
Tuesday, 1 September 2026, 11:49 am | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
“When someone's directly pointing a camera at you, towards you, many times – I just wonder what the motivation is behind that,” said Councillor Te Waka McLeod. More >>
The Questions That Will Shape Tasman’s Next Decade
Monday, 31 August 2026, 4:14 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
The levels of service provided to the community have been discussed extensively in council workshops in recent months, with dispersed infrastructure proving challenging. More >>
What Is The Risk Of A Fiordland Tsunami?
Monday, 31 August 2026, 4:06 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Large landslides had occurred in the past, and an Alpine Fault earthquake could trigger those in the future, the report said, “potentially creating tsunami that reach visitor and village areas within minutes”. More >>
Can Featherston Candidates Hit The Ground Running?
Monday, 31 August 2026, 4:02 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
A mid-term councillor doesn’t have the luxury of a long apprenticeship. More >>
Mackenzie Council Slams “Ludicrous” Regional Plan Timeframe
Monday, 31 August 2026, 3:55 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
Under the Government’s Planning Bill, introduced by Minister Chris Bishop in December, every region would be required to establish a committee and produce a regional spatial plan. More >>
Featherston: Ready Your Vote
Monday, 31 August 2026, 3:38 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Being a Councillor is not about simply agreeing with what is put in front of you; it is about asking questions, understanding the detail and considering the wider implications of decisions. More >>
Snatched Off Her Porch By A Roaming Dog, Will Marley The Cat’s Disappearance Bring Change?
Monday, 31 August 2026, 3:35 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Across town, Percy the cat’s owner watched his home CCTV in horror as two roaming dogs fatally mauled him in his driveway. More >>
'Jolted Awake Again': Whangārei Airport Noise Attracts 122 Complaints
Monday, 31 August 2026, 3:29 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
The airport boosted its sound control measures after ongoing complaints about the rescue helicopter noise, but the latest six-monthly report showed that although the total number of noise incidents has recently dropped, issues persist. More >>
Far North Votes Controversial Councillor Davina Smolders Off Māori Committee
Monday, 31 August 2026, 3:23 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors voted 7-3 to remove Smolders from Te Kuaka at the council's meeting in Kaikohe on August 27. More >>
Grey Power Slams Plan To Axe Free SuperGold Peak Bus Trips
Monday, 31 August 2026, 2:50 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Community consultation on the removal of free travel between 7am and 9am and 3pm and 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, starts next week. More >>
Porirua Council Votes Against Boycotting Companies Involved In Illegal Israeli Settlements
Monday, 31 August 2026, 1:55 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
“When international law is disregarded, it’s entirely appropriate as elected leaders in our democratic system to take steps to support our international legal system that maintain peace and democracy,” said Moira Lawler. More >>
Gisborne Council To Explore Campervan Dump Station After Decade-Long Push
Monday, 31 August 2026, 1:04 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillor Larry Foster wanted to know why the Waitomo dump station could not be made more accessible for campervans. More >>
Rotorua 'Rafting Cartel' Fears Dismissed As Merger Wins Approval
Monday, 31 August 2026, 12:59 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
The decision clears the way for Rotorua Rafting, Kaitiaki Adventures and Kaituna Cascades to merge their rafting and sledging operations. More >>
Free Peak Bus Travel For Waikato SuperGold Users Faces The Chop
Monday, 31 August 2026, 12:52 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Free transport during off-peak hours, weekends and holidays is funded by central Government as part of a nation-wide scheme. More >>
Thames’ $14 Million Pool Dream Stays Afloat After Committee Approval
Monday, 31 August 2026, 12:48 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Three potential designs were presented to the Finance and Infrastructure committee, with the favourite and “only affordable design” a heated outdoor option designed as a “like for like replacement” of the current Thames Centennial Pool. More >>
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 >>
