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Featured Local Democracy Reporting stories
Will a derelict school building finally be disposed of?
Built in 1891, the Southland school house can't be burned down or sold on Facebook.
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From mattresses to marijuana: Illegal dumping problem grows
9 May 2025Frustrations are growing as illegal dumping plagues Auckland and leaves ratepayers with a multi-million dollar bill.
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Tourists called on to help count Kaikōura’s whales
9 May 2025The Great Kaikōura Whale Count will be held throughout the month of June, with volunteers needed to help spot whales as they swim past the Kaikōura coastline.
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Tauranga flood map update a ‘win’ for landowners, developers
10 May 2025Flood maps used in a controversial plan change in Tauranga will be updated after 20 parties lodged three appeals with the Environment Court.
Local Democracy Reporting headlines with summaries.
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Ruapehu mayoralty: Challengers emerge, Kirton yet to confirm
10 May 2025So far, two councillors have confirmed they will run for Ruapehu mayor.
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Inside the new office building Tauranga City Council is paying $91.9m to lease
9 May 2025Tauranga City Council's chief executive has defended the $91.9 million, 15-year cost to lease its new building.
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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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Manurewa’s first Pan-Pacific Strategy takes final step
8 May 2025Manurewa is set to adopt its first Pan-Pacific Strategy, marking a milestone for the South Auckland community where nearly 40 percent of residents identify as Pasifika.
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'We are not an airline': Mayor's harsh words as Air Chathams seeks support
8 May 2025Whakatāne District Council has agreed to waive airport fees for six months.
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Selwyn mayor announced state of emergency from Wellington
8 May 2025Locals have expressed anger that Sam Broughton was not in the region during the emergency.
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NZ faces $9.4b hit from invasive caulerpa, analysis shows
8 May 2025The invasive seaweed is gaining an increasing stronghold.
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Invercargill City Council rejects wish of rūnanga to obtain land
7 May 2025The land at Omaui holds special significance to Māori but other residents were concerned about retaining the view.
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'As long as it takes' - iwi calls for unused land return in Gisborne protest
6 May 2025Protesters marched through Gisborne, calling for the return of land taken from Ngāti Oneone nearly a century ago.
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Stadium ticket levy gives people choice – Ashburton mayor
6 May 2025Ashburton's mayor is backing a proposal to make Mid Canterbury residents pay more for events at the new Christchurch stadium, rather than a regional rate.
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Four-wheel drive vandals destroy 38 pōhutukawa trees
6 May 2025Early estimates to replace the damage on Napier's Marine Parade came to $20,000
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How one city is bucking the national trend for new homes
5 May 2025Half of the new homes were social housing or affordable rentals.
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Whanganui mayor pushes back on Seymour's attendance appeal
3 May 2025David Seymour called on all mayors across the country to help with school attendance last week.
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Tauranga businesses fear impact of expanded paid parking
2 May 2025Paid parking will be extended to the city centre fringe between Arundel St, which is between 4th and 5th Aves, and Park St, north of the CBD.
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Owners on edge after spate of cat maulings in Whakatāne
2 May 2025The owner of a cat fatally mauled by roaming dogs this week has been horrified to learn that her pet Stormy is not the only victim of this group of dogs in Whakatāne.
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Mayor has no plans to add truancy duties to workload
2 May 2025David Seymour has written to councils asking for help with school truancy but mayor says it's not a 'core duty' of local government.
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Is Whakapapa making a comeback?
2 May 2025DOC has granted a 10-year concession allowing Whakapapa Holdings Ltd to run the ski field.
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Canterbury bus fares to increase from July
1 May 2025Greater Christchurch bus fares will increase in July, with the standard adult fare increasing from $2 to $3.
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Southern council could sell building for $1
1 May 2025An old rugby club building in rural Southland could soon be sold for just $1.
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He sold watercress on a street for 30 years – then a council officer spotted him
1 May 2025"All I want to do is look after family and make the community happy," the Hasting man says.
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Tauranga Māori ward byelection winner announced
30 Apr 2025Tauranga City Council has released the final result for the Te Awanui Ward byelection.
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'It's on them': Labour MP levels responsibility for potential deaths at government
29 Apr 2025The reverse of road speed limits means SH6 between Nelson and Blenheim will return to 100km/h.
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'Dirty cash grab': Councillor slams congestion charging
29 Apr 2025Steve Morris says Tauranga residents are already living week-to-week without having to fork out more money for congestion charging.
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'Absolutely the wrong place': Opponents petition bottle store application
29 Apr 2025Another application for a bottle store in South Auckland has angered opponents who say there's already five alcohol outlets within a one kilometre radius.
