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Civil Defence defends Rotorua's inclusion in state of emergency
The Rotorua mayor was concerned it would cause confusion, given the low risk for Rotorua.
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NZ Post closures in Rotorua to hit older residents hardest
2 Feb 2026Grey Power says disability, transport access and unfamiliar technology will turn a once simple errand into a "big challenge" for many.
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‘Medicine for the soul’: Hawke’s Bay harbourmaster on dream job
1 Feb 2026This summer's crop of rule breakers on the water are flouting rules meant to prevent fatalities, a harbourmaster says, including speeding and taking children on…
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'I've never seen it like this': Mount Maunganui businesses feeling pain
1 Feb 2026Mount Maunganui businesses are experiencing a steep drop in foot traffic and revenue following the deadly Mauao landslide, with confusion over the cordon…
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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Gisborne District Council urged to stop 'appeasing' forestry industry
31 Jan 2026The environmental group behind a 12,000-strong petition that led to a land-use inquiry three years ago is now calling on the council to block forestry consents on red and orange land.
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Alcohol consumption 'way too high' in NZ - health expert
30 Jan 2026Alcohol harm costs the economy $9.1b a year, and the substance is linked to more than 200 medical conditions, Te Whatu Ora's medical officer of health says.
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Emotional day as Ngāti Hāua Treaty settlement becomes law
31 Jan 2026"I'm thrilled to bits, and I'm thinking of our tūpuna and all those who fought to get us here."
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Councillor skips planning session at marae over te reo and faith concerns
29 Jan 2026Steve Gibson said there were several reasons for his discomfort.
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Wellington's northern suburbs demand say in Petone to Grenada road
29 Jan 2026Several residents worry about the new road of national significance's unclear impact on the environment amid what they say is inadequate consultation.
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Canterbury's Woodend Bypass work to begin soon - NZTA
29 Jan 2026Physical works on the much anticipated Woodend Bypass are due to get underway this year, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says.
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Mayors fear for future of Canterbury rural hospitals
29 Jan 2026Two Canterbury mayors are still waiting for answers on the future of two rural hospitals which are in desperate need for maintenance.
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Papatoetoe by-election attracts 20 candidates after previous result voided by courts
29 Jan 2026The by-election would give voters a fresh chance to shape local leadership after last year's result was voided by the District Court.
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Settlement milestone to mark end of 'long, hard road' for Ngāti Hāua
29 Jan 2026The Ngāti Hāua Claims Settlement Bill will have its third and final reading in Parliament on Thursday, enacting the tribe's Treaty settlement, Te Pua o te Riri Kore.
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Mayor condemns 'ecological vandalism' on beaches
28 Jan 2026Broken signs, embedded tyre tracks, and blatant disregard for a bylaw are threatening a delicate biodiversity area, a report says.
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Outrage over illegal dumping at cemetery
28 Jan 2026It is believed the rubbish, including a doll house, soft toys and empty boxes, were dumped at the Ōtāhuhu Cemetery over the weekend.
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Giant Helena Bay Hill slip creates 20,000 truckload challenge
27 Jan 2026Authorities are looking at where to dump the up to 100,000 cubic metres of clay, vegetation and debris from the slip.
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Green MP Celia Wade-Brown to stand down at election
28 Jan 2026The former Wellington mayor first entered Parliament in January 2024.
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Vandalism at flood monitoring sites endanger community, council says
26 Jan 2026River monitoring equipment that is "absolutely critical" for timely flood warnings has been damaged by thieves on two Marlborough rivers, sparking a plea from the council.
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Stolen turtles slowly make their way home to Hastings park
26 Jan 2026The red-eared slider turtles were taken after a large square hole was cut in the fence of the Cornwall Park aviary at the beginning of January.
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Mayor wants state of emergency lifted
26 Jan 2026Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper would like to see the district's state of emergency lifted on Tuesday afternoon.
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How much did Rotorua councillors spend on their campaigns?
26 Jan 2026Returning mayor Tania Tapsell raised the most money and spent the most in her bid to get re-elected.
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Congestion charges could help Auckland - expert says
23 Jan 2026An expert believes if done well, congestion charges could encourage more people to take public transport, scooter or walk to work.
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Campervan roof torn off at NZ's most notorious rail bridge
23 Jan 2026The country's most-struck rail bridge has claimed yet another victim.
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The mystery 'Tick Tong' sticker campaign in Southland
23 Jan 2026Five-hundred stickers were created and appeared around the region.
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Dangerous playground levelled in South Wairarapa
A popular South Wairarapa playground has been demolished to make way for a safer facility for children of all ages.
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What new granny flats rules mean for costs, consents and rates
20 Jan 2026You no longer need a consent to build a backyard flat, but there are still costs and regulations.
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Waioweka Gorge closed for next month after airlift operation
21 Jan 2026Up to 40 slips blocked 60 kilometres of the state highway after the area received double its average January rainfall.
![Hur1149LDRbypass: Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey (front, centre) checked in last year on progress with geotech work in preparation for the Woodend Bypass. Photo: David Hill / North Canterbury News [LDR single use only]](https://media.rnztools.nz/rnz/image/upload/s--vLn1cAUU--/ar_16:10,c_fill,f_auto,g_auto,q_auto,w_288/v1769634506/4JU1UM4_Hur1149LDRbypass_jpg?_a=BACCd2AD)
