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Featured Local Democracy Reporting stories
Rotorua’s $3 billion, 30-year plan to fix aging pipes, roads and more
Rotorua is wrestling with a costly dilemma: how to keep the pipes flowing after years of what one councillor describes as "chronic underspending".
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Council continues four-year Māori ward fight in face of govt changes
24 Apr 2024A council that played a key role in getting Māori ward polling removed is now lobbying against government plans to reinstate binding referendums.
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'We had a democratic process' for Māori ward, mayor says
23 Apr 2024Gisborne councillors have voiced frustration the central government will make them redo their work.
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Carterton could get Georgina Beyer statue
27 Apr 2024The late politician was the world's first openly transgender mayor and member of parliament.
Local Democracy Reporting headlines with summaries.
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Liquor plan risks creating 'desolate wasteland' - restaurateur
26 Apr 2024A prominent business family hopes "common sense" will prevail before proposed alcohol regulations come into force.
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The ‘treasure’ plant mistaken for algae in Marlborough Sounds
25 Apr 2024A seagrass still found in the region is in global decline and many don't know of its importance, a coastal scientist says.
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South Wairarapa mayor stripped of representative roles
25 Apr 2024Mayor Martin Connelly says he is not aware of the move and cannot comment further at this stage.
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'They have taken us for fools': Councillor hits out over homeless plan
25 Apr 2024Rotorua councillor upset at Housing Ministry plans to keep contracting hotels for emergency housing.
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'Too many dead ducks': Residents demand action over smelly lake
24 Apr 2024Dead birds and fish, and "out of control" lillies are pushing residents along a lake in Whakatāne over the edge.
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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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Deputy mayor almost steps aside over misunderstanding
23 Apr 2024The incident involved an email referring to an investigation into a combined Three Waters entity for Otago and Southland.
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West Coast council backs Fast Tracks Approvals Bill
26 Apr 2024The Fast Tracks Approvals Bill has been given a big tick by the West Coast Regional Council, saying it will lead to more jobs, and despite what others say, has environmental safeguards in it.
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'Just as we did in 1984' - School brings back traditional single-cell classrooms
25 Apr 2024Rangiora High School has a 1980s feel about it, following the refurbishment of its Rakahuri building, says principal Bruce Kearney.
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Wilding pine work 'will go backwards' with reduced funding
25 Apr 2024Land cleared of the pest plants is now "prime for re-infestation".
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Is Ōtara town centre really alcohol free?
24 Apr 2024Ōtara town centre is legally an alcohol free zone, but "you wouldn't know it" according to some community advocates.
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'Gone berserk': Vandals plague public toilets
22 Apr 2024A public toilet block in a small town is battling ongoing vandalism, forcing the council to explore new solutions.
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Mayor hits out at government's Māori ward changes
22 Apr 2024Moko Tepania says the government's plan is 'disheartening' when they are already on the back foot with issues facing the region.
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Toll for Ashburton’s second bridge not being ruled out
24 Apr 2024The Transport Minister is not ruling out introducing a toll on a second Ashburton bridge - either on the new bridge or existing State Highway 1 crossing - to help pay for its construction.
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Council and Health NZ tight-lipped on Wairarapa Hospital settlement
22 Apr 2024The two entities refused to disclose the settlement amount that ended a lengthy legal dispute over Wairarapa's defective hospital.
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Another Gisborne forestry company loses accreditation
22 Apr 2024Two Gisborne forestry companies have lost their sustainability certifications within two months.
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Shane Jones will join 'shrill voices' of climate change, but only for 'practical things'
20 Apr 2024The Regional Development Minister spoke at a speech at the dawn ceremony celebrating the Waipaoa River Flood Resilience Project yesterday.
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Pungent, rotting lake weed takes over Rotorua's lakefront
20 Apr 2024It's similar to an incident four years ago that resulted in 300 tonnes of weed being removed at a cost of $35,000.
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'Game changer': Ashburton’s new freight hub to move trucks off highway
19 Apr 2024A new freight hub is being described as a "game changer" for Mid Canterbury, which will help shift trucks off the busy highway and keep Ashburton moving.
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Complainants tight-lipped over Invercargill mayor’s apology
18 Apr 2024The two councillors who lodged a code of conduct complaint against Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark will not comment on his recent apology.
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Dog owners fined after 27 cats killed
18 Apr 2024Owners of several roaming dogs that were on a cat-killing spree, terrorising a south Auckland neighbourhood, have been fined.
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Call for begging ban after report 10 tourists 'physically accosted' at cafe
17 Apr 2024Beggars "physically accosted" 10 Aussie tourists at a cafe last week, claims a Rotorua councillor arguing it is time to "seriously consider" a begging ban.
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$10b transport plan gets tick from Canterbury mayors
19 Apr 2024The plan includes the proposed Woodend Bypass and a second Ashburton bridge as key projects.
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Invercargill down to just one parking warden
17 Apr 2024A councillor says delivery drivers are openly flouting parking rules in the absence of anyone to police them.
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