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Local Democracy Reporting
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Council pledges Treaty law apology after brutal history lesson
Taranaki councillors have voted to investigate why a debate on the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill was shut down by conservative councillors at a December meeting.
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West Coast Regional Council debt soars as big flood projects shape up
19 Feb 2025The West Coast Regional Council's core debt has risen to $24 million, as it embarks on the largest infrastructure programme in its history.
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Tauranga traffic: Turret Rd tidal lane gets initial funding
18 Feb 2025NZTA Waka Kotahi agreed to fund $5.2 million for the 15th Ave to Welcome Bay project.
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The $30m plan to protect Masterton from major flooding cost
18 Feb 2025There are a number of draft concepts that provide flood protection from the Waipoua River.
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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Recycling rule breakers could lose bins
17 Feb 2025A new 'three-strikes' system will be introduced across Southland in a bid to clamp down on reckless recyclers.
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Peters say fluoridation mandate a 'despotic Soviet-era disgrace'
Making a council fluoridate its water is being slammed by New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters.
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$3m overspend frustrates Tasman councillors
16 Feb 2025Maintaining Tasman's infrastructure this financial year is expected to cost $3 million more than was budgeted for, and the district's councillors aren't happy.
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Martinborough speed review in limbo as community mourns fatality
14 Feb 2025One died and three others were injured on a stretch of road earmarked for speed reduction.
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ECan to promote testing of private water wells
13 Feb 2025An estimated 250,000-300,000 private wells are used for drinking water in Canterbury.
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South Auckland alleyway upgrade brings relief to residents
13 Feb 2025For many years people had been scared to use the alleyway, but it has since been upgraded with lights, a new fence and local artwork.
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Life on the water: Troublemakers, cruise ships and saving lives
16 Feb 2025No two days are the same for Environment Southland's harbourmaster Lyndon Cleaver, who shares what life is like on the water.
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'More leftovers than ever before': Issues continue with school lunches
15 Feb 2025Teachers and principals express concerns the new school lunch programme, but also acknowledge the benefit it has for families struggling to provide food.
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Council chair calls for apology over mayor's conflict of interest remarks
14 Feb 2025Helen Lash raised questions about Peter Haddock's family connection with one of the council's main contractors.
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BOP Regional Council sets guidelines for sale of Port of Tauranga shares
14 Feb 2025The dividend the council receives from its commercial arm subsidises regional council rates.
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'Feral': Lagoon used as dumping ground for hunters
14 Feb 2025On one occasion, a deer's head could be seen floating on the "taonga" lagoon's surface, stinking as it decomposed.
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Kaikōura may have no warning of tsunami
14 Feb 2025Canterbury coastal residents could have little or no warning of a major tsunami event, councils warn.
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Waimakariri mayor: Rejected projects should not be fast-tracked
13 Feb 2025Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon says government should not undermine council decision-making processes.
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'Fear and anxiety' for locals fed up with beach parties
13 Feb 2025Many are calling for more police and for alcohol-free zones to be extended.
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Call for order amid heated fluoride debate at Rotorua council
12 Feb 2025The Health ministry's head dentist has defended fluoridation, citing its safety and health benefits.
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Residents sick of living in 'motocross track'
12 Feb 2025But police say it is near impossible to catch the culprits.
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Two councillors step down while 22 confirm restand in Hawkes Bay
11 Feb 2025Napier City councillor Maxine Boag and Central Hawke's Bay councillor Tim Aitken have confirmed they were standing down, while others have confirmed their mayoral bids.
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Iwi loses High Court challenge against beach vehicle bylaw
11 Feb 2025A Marlborough iwi has been unsuccessful in its challenge of a council bylaw restricting vehicle access on the east coast.
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Council braces for new miners as gold price soars
11 Feb 2025As the price of gold soars to a record NZ$5000 an ounce, the West Coast is bracing for an influx of miners new to the industry - and its environmental rules.
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Failing bridge closes in Whanganui
11 Feb 2025The district council has closed Wakefield Street Bridge in Whanganui East because of safety concerns, with a significant number of wooden beams showing "considerable decay".
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Ashburton’s green bin rollout to go ahead, despite government policy change
10 Feb 2025With a government requirement changed post long-term plan, the Ashburton District Council briefly revisited its decision to roll out green waste collection in 2026.
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Warning signs not the answer after Rakaia River death – councillor
10 Feb 2025Better signage would not have avoided a woman dying following a water incident at the Rakaia River mouth in Canterbury, a local councillor says.
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ECan left waiting for advice on large solar farms
10 Feb 2025Canterbury's regional council is none the wiser on how to respond to large-scale solar farm applications.
![Transport and water supply repairs were driving Tasman District Council's maintenance budget towards a $3 million overspend. Photo: Max Frethey. [via LDR single use only]](https://media.rnztools.nz/rnz/image/upload/s--ZqXh9kWm--/ar_16:10,c_fill,f_auto,g_auto,q_auto,w_288/v1739666088/4KBW6E2_Tasman_District_Council_scaled_jpg?_a=BACCd2AD)
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