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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
'Devastated And Disappointed': Efeso Collins' Family React To Coroner's Report
Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 7:10 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
In a statement following Coroner Janet Anderson's findings, his widow, Vasa Fia Collins, said the family was "devastated and disappointed" by the decision not to hold an open inquest hearing. More >>
Community House Stays Open After Kāinga Ora Backs Down
Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 7:02 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
The house, one of four KO homes leased by Auckland Council, offered valuable services to the south Auckland community. More >>
West Coast's $65m Investment In Flood Defences
Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 6:53 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
Regional council chairman Colin Smith said his council had not done a good job of communicating the council's value to communities. More >>
Tiaki Wai Wipes Out Porirua Council Rates Hike, But There's A Catch
Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 6:49 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The Porirua City Council’s chief financial officer, Ian Dennis, said this was a one-off instance, stemming from removing water infrastructure from its books. More >>
'Devastated And Disappointed': Efeso Collins' Family React To Coroner's Report
Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 6:44 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
In a statement following Coroner Janet Anderson's findings, his widow, Vasa Fia Collins, said the family was "devastated and disappointed" by the decision not to hold an open inquest hearing. More >>
'Not Helpful': Selwyn Mayor Rejects Tolling Talk Amid Merger Debate
Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 6:40 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon wants the focus to be on what is the best proposal for Canterbury, not councillors from neighbouring districts getting into slanging matches over tolls. More >>
Grab Your Partner: Ashburton Reveals Eight Merger Options
Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 6:33 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
The Canterbury Mayoral Forum is set to meet on Friday to continue its discussion on exploring a regional approach to developing a proposal. More >>
Finding Hauraki's Ideal Match 'One Of The Biggest Decisions' District Will Face
Monday, 8 June 2026, 2:09 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The survey is currently live on the council’s website and closes on July 17th. Financial analysis for each scenario will be worked through on whichever proposal moves forward. More >>
Auckland Council Seeks Pacific Input On Proposed Lifejacket Rules
Monday, 8 June 2026, 2:03 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
All feedback will be reviewed and analysed before the bylaw panel considers submissions and makes recommendations to Auckland Council's Governing Body. More >>
Coroner Finds Fa'anānā Efeso Collins Died Of Natural Causes, Calls For Better Emergency Planning
Monday, 8 June 2026, 1:53 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
While the coroner found Fa'anānā died from natural cardiac disease linked to long-term health conditions, the inquiry also examined concerns raised by his family about the emergency response on the day. More >>
Deputy Mayor Celebrates Sāmoan Culture At Manurewa Library
Monday, 8 June 2026, 1:43 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
The celebration highlighted the role council-owned facilities such as libraries continue to play as community gathering places, supporting cultural events and helping preserve Pacific languages for future generations. More >>
‘My Preference Is For A Referendum’: Wellington Mayor Andrew Little
Monday, 8 June 2026, 8:53 am | Sue Teodoro - Local Democracy Reporter
Wilde pointed to public meetings currently underway in South Wairarapa, and said it was important, across the whole region, for residents to be informed, engaged and heard. More >>
Roundabout First Up As Ashburton Second Bridge Construction Ramps Up
Friday, 5 June 2026, 6:12 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
One of two large cranes is already onsite, in preparation for piling in mid-June that will take about eight months. More >>
Scale A Challenge For New Water Entity
Friday, 5 June 2026, 6:05 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury's new water entity will face challenges due to a lack of scale, new chairperson says. More >>
Air Chathams Cuts Kāpiti Coast Flights to Auckland
Friday, 5 June 2026, 5:56 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The airline took over the route when Air New Zealand pulled out in 2018. More >>
Controversial Container Terminal Leaving Katikati - What's Replacing It
Friday, 5 June 2026, 5:53 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
The industrial site alongside State Highway 2/Waterford Rd is near Uretara Domain and accessed from Phillip Walter Drive, a residential street. More >>
Public Sector Job Cuts Spark Fears For Provincial Communities
Friday, 5 June 2026, 5:43 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
Early Budget announcements revealed 8700 public sector jobs would be cut over the next three years, though it remained unclear exactly which services and where in Aotearoa would be worst affected. More >>
Offer To Reinstate Track At Two Slip Sites
Friday, 5 June 2026, 10:31 am | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Austin Oliver and Angus Robson are trustees of the Toi’s Track Restoration Trust, which wishes to reopen the once popular walking track. More >>
Counting The Cost Of Climate Change For Westport
Friday, 5 June 2026, 10:24 am | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
Hopefully future governments will develop a framework that provides clarity on who is paying and what are the funding pathways for that kind of work to happen, says Former mayor Cleine. More >>
Regional Council Weighs In On Merger Proposal
Thursday, 4 June 2026, 7:59 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
The West Coast Regional Council will be abolished by 2028. 2. West Coast's three district councils Westland, Grey and Buller will be submitting a formal joint proposal under the reforms. More >>
