Local Democracy Reporting

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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]

Masterton Counts The Cost Of Increasing Official Information Requests

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 5:38 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

Under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, councils must make information it holds public upon request, unless there was a compelling legal reason to withhold it. More >>

Empty Gallery Sparks Debate On Night Meetings For Masterton Council

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 5:34 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

Mayor Bex Johnson said she did not support Nelson’s suggestion and noted the council meetings were livestreamed on YouTube and were “accessible anytime” but wanted to hear from other councillors. More >>

Te Hoiere Project’s Work To Heal River Catchment Hailed As Standout Conservation Work

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 5:30 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter

Peter Hamill, the council’s land and water team leader, told Local Democracy Reporting that Te Hoiere Project was already bearing fruit, with early signs of improved water quality. More >>

Waipaoa Stopbank Opens To Protect 10,000 Hectares Near Gisborne

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 5:27 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter

During construction, the stopbank’s alignment in Waituhi was adjusted to preserve a gum tree and an oak tree with whenua (placenta) buried beneath them. More >>

Homebuyers Face Confusion Over Unconsented Work

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 5:22 pm | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter

Spriggs said “more flexibility” in the guidelines meant “more responsibility” for sellers and buyers, with homeowners still required to comply with standards and legislation. More >>

Upper Hutt Council Proposes Ditching Rates Discount For Large Rural Land Blocks

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 5:19 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter

Upper Hutt City Council has suggested they should pay the same standard rate in a new policy, which it said would improve fairness and transparency. More >>

Footpath Petition Questioned; Councillor Says He Unknowingly Signed It

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 5:16 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

The petition calls for interim improvements to the 500m stretch of Allens Rd, ahead of the council eventually creating a sealed footpath - with a potential $1.5 million price tag. More >>

Ruapehu Wins Award After Helping 75 Young People Into Jobs

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 5:11 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter

Mayor Weston Kirton said the initiative was a critical lifeline for young people facing limited opportunities in a tough economy. More >>

West Coast Regional Council Grilled Over Annual Report

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 5:07 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter

The West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) adopted its 2025-2026 annual report during an extraordinary meeting held in Westport this week -- with one dissenter. More >>

Job Hopes For Ruapehu As Former Mill Site Draws Bio-Fuel And Data Proposals

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 5:02 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter

The proposal would repurpose existing wood-processing infrastructure using regional forestry resources and supporting employment in the wood-processing sector. More >>

Animal Control Worker's Fingertip Bitten Off As Staff Face More Threats

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 4:59 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter

Animal management staff are facing increasing threats from aggressive dogs and their owners in Auckland, with the latest figures revealing that abuse has more than doubled from the previous year. More >>

Managed Retreat On The Cards For Long-Term Storm Recovery On East Cape

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 4:52 pm | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter

Council principal scientist Dr Murry Cave led the project using a protect, adapt, retreat or avoid framework established by the Ministry for the Environment. More >>

Donation Helps Hanmer Springs Camp Pay For Safe Water Connection

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 4:43 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The Hanmer Springs Forest Camp Trust has received a $32,500 donation from North Canterbury Lions to help pay for its connection to the town water supply. More >>

The Hidden Issue Of Homelessness In North Canterbury

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 4:38 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The Salvation Army North Canterbury is tackling homelessness in the region, with support from the Waimakariri District Council and Government funding. More >>

North Canterbury's Water Leadership Groups Close To Being Formed

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 4:34 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

North Canterbury's three councils are close to establishing new catchment-based freshwater and land management advisory bodies to replace the former water zone committees, which were disbanded last year. More >>

Thames Pool Gets $35k Paint Job To Ward Off Black Mould

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 4:28 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter

The Thames Community Board agreed to provide the funding, with chair Adrian Catran saying the mould “just loves” the majority concrete bare floor the pool currently has. More >>

National And Labour Stick To Lobbying Over Keeping Kāpiti Airport Open

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 4:18 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter

National and Labour both want to keep the airport at Kāpiti Coast’s Paraparaumu, but are limiting their efforts to advocacy - stopping short of direct government intervention to prevent it from being closed entirely. More >>