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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
Iwi Proposal Would Reshape Councils Around Mountains And Rivers
Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 5:38 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Discussions between Ruapehu District Council, iwi partners and local communities have ramped up in the last week as the first deadline looms in the Government's local government reform programme. More >>
Thames-Coromandel’s 100% Strike Rate For Youth Employment Initiative
Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 5:33 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Thames-Coromandel’s programme is run by community partnerships co-ordinator Helen Flynn, who described the job as creating “life-changing stories” for some by providing local work for local people. More >>
City Fountain Or Bubble Bath? The Prank Requiring Regular Council Fixing
Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 5:18 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
A popular prank in the southern city is to fill the water with soap suds and watch as foam billows into the air, but the gag is costing Invercargill City Council more than $5000 a year to fix. More >>
‘Door Open For Taupō’ As Rotorua Locks In With South Waikato
Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 5:15 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Speaking to Local Democracy Reporting, Mayor Tapsell said Rotorua was ready to “lock in” with South Waikato. More >>
Greymouth Mayor Accuses Greenpeace Of 'Scaremongering' Protest
Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 4:31 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
Greenpeace announced today [July 28] it has unfurled an 18 square metre banner from a giant rimu tree in an unnamed West Coast forest, to coincide with World Conservation Day. More >>
Taranaki Hapū Back On Whenua A Decade After Treaty Settlement
Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 4:18 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
A South Taranaki hapū has set up an arts, construction and horticulture training centre on land that took a decade to get back, even after a Treaty settlement. Ōkahu-Inuāwai opened Tokaora Te Tapuae Pae Pātūtū on Friday on the site of the ... More >>
Where Should Nelson’s New $70m-Plus Civic Centre Go?
Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 10:52 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
The facility will combine the council building with library and community hub services, and will cost between $73 and $88 million, depending on where people want it to be located. More >>
Forced Amalgamations Leave Taupō District Worse Off, Council Says
Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 10:47 am | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
Taupō District Council staff were directed in June to investigate four amalgamation options for elected members to consider. More >>
'We Don’t Need Wi-Fi': Plans For Rustic Park Raises Questions
Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 10:42 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
Council parks and open spaces manager Jane Tito told Local Democracy Reporting that wi-fi, along with power and water supply, had been part of the park’s design since it was proposed in 2022 as it would allow the park to be used for events. More >>
New Whangārei Beach Bans Target 4WD Hotspot
Monday, 27 July 2026, 7:20 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Uretiti South beach is facing a vehicle beach ban under Whangārei District Council's proposed new bylaw. More >>
Government Won’t Be Drawn On Northland Merger Bid As Kaipara Breaks Ranks
Monday, 27 July 2026, 7:08 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Northland's Paihia and Bay of Islands would be part of a Far North unitary authority with regional council functions by the 2028 local elections under Northland-generated amalgamation proposals to be sent to the Government by August 9. More >>
Lake Rotorua’s Latest Weed Clean-Up Removes 135 Tonnes, Costs $31,500
Monday, 27 July 2026, 6:22 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Councils are still seeking a long-term solution to the pricey ongoing issue. More >>
'Ambitious' Plan Unveiled To Drive Up Bus Use
Monday, 27 July 2026, 6:15 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
The council has drafted its regional public transport plan for 2026-36. It is available for public consultation until August 6. More >>
Waikato Business Forum To Examine Council Merger Options
Monday, 27 July 2026, 6:02 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Chamber chief executive Don Good said the panel was assembled in response to a "lack of information" about the local government reorganisation process. More >>
'Traumatic Experience' At Southland Cemetery Due To Drainage Issues
Monday, 27 July 2026, 5:47 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillor Andrea de Vries told a council meeting on Tuesday she had been contacted about a "pretty traumatic experience" at Greenpoint Cemetery. More >>
Council Requests Police Help After Staff Face Abuse
Monday, 27 July 2026, 5:37 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Two of those were deemed “high-potential” and involved the police. More >>
Kaikōura Mayor Urges People To Visit - Just Avoid The Rural Roads
Monday, 27 July 2026, 4:24 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle says the town is open for business, despite this month's major flood event. More >>
Mana Whenua 'Critical' For Council Planning In North Canterbury
Monday, 27 July 2026, 4:20 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury's council leaders say there are no major surprises in the changes to the RMA replacement legislation, but mana whenua relationships remain a priority, regardless of legislation. More >>
Record Number Of Humpback Whales Spotted Off Kaikōura Coast
Monday, 27 July 2026, 4:12 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaikōura Whale Festival on Sunday was a chance to celebrate the giants of the ocean, the Kaikōura Ocean Research Institute says. More >>
Crossword And Crisis Calls Encumber Council Customer Services
Monday, 27 July 2026, 4:07 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
More than 8000 people contact Nelson City Council seeking help each month, and the council wants to cut those numbers down. More >>
