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Featured Local Democracy Reporting stories
Bottle shops caught selling alcohol to minors
Eleven 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…
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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.
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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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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'It stinks' - Weary locals gear up for another round in dump fight
30 May 2025Grey District Council will need to spend at least $60,000 in fight against private landfill.
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Is this the lowest rates rise in the country?
29 May 2025The council is holding firm on an increase of 2.2 percent.
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'Give Donald credit': Councillor supports Trump, dismisses 'usual rhetoric'
29 May 2025Controversial West Coast Regional Councillor defends US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs during a corporate services meeting.
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Postal voting made easier with orange boxes
29 May 2025The Waimakariri District Council is gearing up for this year's local government elections.
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Nobby Clark delays policy over diversity concern
28 May 2025The Invercargill mayor has drawn the ire of some councillors after stalling the council's new procurement policy over concerns with a diversity question.
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‘Please walk on me’ – flag artwork sparks outrage again
27 May 2025A controversial artwork on display in Nelson that invites visitors to "please walk on" the NZ flag has angered the RSA.
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'Woefully inadequate': Sportsground has six toilets for 4000 people
27 May 2025Tauranga council debates $20,000 cost for portaloos at Mount Maunganui's Blake Park.
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Mayor at odds with council over inappropriate language
26 May 2025Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark believes his council should not redact feedback from the public, even if it is difficult to hear.
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Controversial plan to move prisoner reintegration facility takes next step
26 May 2025It comes as the council investigates the facility's activities at its current site.
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Want to run for council? These are the rules
25 May 2025Nominations open for this year's local government elections on 4 July.
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'Kids do dumb things': Principal speaks out against keyboard warriors
24 May 2025Schools speak up on "challenging student behaviour" after an incident at Oxford Area School this week.
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Large majority of Gisborne residents want local control of water services
23 May 2025The favoured model could result in households facing an average rate increase of $100 per year.
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Taumarunui rail yard ready for economic rebirth
23 May 2025The Ruapehu district mayor says it's a turning point for the central North Island town.
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Fisherman's anger over beach barriers: 'We pay a s***load of rates'
22 May 2025Wooden barriers along Napier's Marine Parade are preventing fishermen from accessing the beach.
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Planning for Auckland's rapidly growing 'vibrant' south
22 May 2025A strategy to help support one of Auckland's fastest-growing regions with housing and its thriving farming industry has been approved by Auckland Council.
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'We just awhi them': Iwi-led initiative tackles school attendance crisis
22 May 2025The initiative helped to re-engage more than 250 children with education last year.
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'Run It Straight' events in South Auckland cancelled
21 May 2025The event is a social media-driven trend where participants compete in full-contact collisions without protective gear.
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Move to increase te reo Māori street names in Invercargill
21 May 2025Te reo Māori street names are on track for a boost in Invercargill as the council takes steps to ensure they are more readily available.
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