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Featured Local Democracy Reporting stories
Resident battles council's 'ridiculous' choice of berm tree
"They haven't thought this through at all," Sarah Thompson says.
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'Trump of the North' will not seek re-election as mayor
11:00 am todayThe controversial Northland mayor who tried to ban karakia from council meetings will not be standing for a second mayoral term.
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AI gun video of Nelson councillor sparks warning for voters
10 Jun 2025The councillor says voters should always look for an authorisation statement or something that's genuine.
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Proposal to sell Baypark Speedway stand for $1, extend lease
10 Jun 2025The community is being asked if speedway should stay at Mercury Baypark Stadium.
Local Democracy Reporting headlines with summaries.
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What is Local Democracy Reporting?
31 May 2021Find out more about the scheme and how to become a host newsroom or accredited media partner.
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Marlborough residents speak against council's preferred water plan
10 Jun 2025The Marlborough District Council's preferred option is to create a standalone Water Services Organisation.
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Fear of confusion sparks te reo name rethink
10 Jun 2025Worries about a new Manutahi Park being mistaken for another Manutahi an hour's drive away has the council considering adding the name of a British Military Settler.
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Support young people before they go on a benefit, mayors say
10 Jun 2025Two Canterbury mayors say the government shouldn't tamper with their youth job programme.
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Seabed mine fears ignite coast towns on Ocean Day
10 Jun 2025A match lit six weeks ago in Ōpunakē has ignited fires the length of the North Island with seabed mining opponents taking to the coast on World Ocean Day.
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'Unsafe levels': Toxic gas concern closes events centre office
9 Jun 2025An office within Rotorua's Energy Events Centre has closed after "unsafe levels" of a toxic gas were detected.
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Gisborne truck route to quieten as council changes permits
7 Jun 2025New maps exclude Ormond Road from the NZTA's 'H' permit system.
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Napier councillor launches second bid to be mayor
8 Jun 2025Nigel Simpson says Napier has been let down by poor decisions, costly distractions, and a lack of consistent governance, and "the city deserves better".
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Farmers risk being cut off as bridge funding dries up
7 Jun 2025Waka Kotahi has announced it will not extend a 30 June sunset clause or offer additional funding for a replacement for a quake damaged bridge at the Waiau Toa Clarence River.
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Chair refuses to apologise, rejects use of ‘kia ora’ in council email
6 Jun 2025Hugh Gardyne preferred to be addressed 'hello' or 'dear' in emails.
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Much loved swimming spot dumped on again
6 Jun 2025A rusting car body found in the Tauranga River at Waimana's Wardlaw Glade, about 20km south of Whakatāne, is just one of many the Bay of Plenty Regional Council is likely to have to pull out of rivers…
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Ōtara youth challenged to design new town centre playground
7 Jun 2025Auckland Council removed the playground and seating area in January in a bid to deter antisocial behaviour and public drinking outside the Ōtara TAB.
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'Bloody idiots': Kids miss out as sports field vandalism worsens
6 Jun 2025Hundreds can't play rugby after vandals broke in to do burnouts on their field.
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Fate of Franz Josef southbank not ours to decide, regional council says
5 Jun 2025Despite the completion of the north bank floodwalls the treat of the Waiho River remains.
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Councillor: If your name’s on illegally dumped rubbish, a fine could be coming your way
5 Jun 2025Hastings District Council councillor Wendy Schollum says proposed changes would allow litter control officers to issue fines using vehicle registration and ownership details inside bags to identify…
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Bottle shops caught selling alcohol to minors
4 Jun 2025Eleven bottle shops and stores across Auckland have been caught selling booze to under-18s in the past year.
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Blenheim food truck owners face uncertainty after council buys site
4 Jun 2025The owners of several food trucks on a vacant central Blenheim lot are worried they will be turfed out after the land was bought by the Marlborough District Council.
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'Distasteful': Residents battle crematorium being built near supermarket
3 Jun 2025Havelock North residents were not notified about the consent given to Terry Longley and Sons funeral home for the Crematorium.
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Rain bombs cast cloud over Matatā housing growth
3 Jun 2025Whakatāne Mayor Victor Luca says building more homes within Matatā now would be a mistake due to the potential damage from "rain bombs" and worsening weather.
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Three strikes and you lose your bin
3 Jun 2025Whakatāne District Council plans to bring in strict penalties for those who continually put incorrect items in their recycling and greenwaste bins.
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Forestry changes for Tai Rāwhiti 'a slap in the face'
2 Jun 2025Commercial forestry changes under proposed Resource Management Act reforms seen as a return to weaker forestry regulations.
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Porirua residents to decide on super-council
2 Jun 2025Pacific leaders have voiced concerns that the model could dilute local representation unless equity and cultural voices are prioritised.
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Resident has to travel to cemetery for safe drinking water
30 May 2025After years of pushing for safe, clean drinking water, residents in Ashburton's north-east may finally get what they have long demanded.
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Rates rise down to 5.8% for Canterbury
30 May 2025The council previously signalled a rates hike of 15.5 percent in last year's 2024/34 Long Term Plan.
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