Latest fromLocal Democracy
Martin Williams: Hawke’s Bay is juggling several crises
OPINION: Councillors accept that rates cannot keep spiralling up.
Mahé's our mayor: Hard work just starting for former Olympian
The double Olympic champion says his mayoralty will be about positivity and collaboration.
$40,000 cocktail party: Council decision to withhold guest list goes to Ombudsman
Internal emails show staff debated releasing names of attendees and funders.
Mayoral candidate threatens to take Tauranga council and marina to High Court
It comes amid a years-long dispute that has already cost ratepayers nearly $70k.
Neighbour reflects on loss of 'godsend' ex-reserve, councillor queries sale price
A trust bought the Clayton Rd site for $750,000 to build 10 affordable rental homes.
Climate change efforts a 'crock': Mayoral hopeful ranks lowest in environment survey
He says people have to have 'rocks' in their heads to think humans can change the climate.
CCTV cameras fall victim to cost-cutting despite community feedback
CCTV in the small Southland town of Winton has been a hot topic over the past six months.
New bill proposed to limit regional councils' role in greenhouse gas regulation
Federated Farmers backs bill to limit local emission regulations.
'More suburbs of Auckland': Housing plan raises fertile rural land concerns
“Wellington officials determining what is right for our area”.
Tauranga election: Which ward is struggling with voter turnout
It is hoped some voters are taking their time to better analyse candidates before voting.
Taller buildings risk Mount’s ’boutique character’ – locals
Locals disappointed the iconic status of their beach suburb wasn’t 'fiercely protected'.
'What’s the story?': Franz Josef paperwork failure stuns regional council
Havill wall extension built in April after Waiho River threatened oxidation ponds.
Te Tai Tokerau tertiary scholarship winners named
The 2024 winners will each get $4000 and paid NRC work experience..
'Lives are at stake': Police, councils may lose access to NZTA cameras
A mayor says she fears 'disastrous consequences' if access is revoked.
Tauranga mayoral candidates size up Govt's new housing rules
Mayoral hopefuls give their views on how the changes fit with the growing city's needs.
'This isn't about cuts': Rotorua's council proposes restructure
It announced the change process on Friday after meeting staff.
'We are stronger than ever': First Māori trust board celebrates 100 years
Hundreds gathered to celebrate the centennial.
Tauranga election: Early voter turnout surpasses 2019
New orange voting bins and candidate videos are thought to be helping.
Kaipara waste to energy plant investigation ends with no report
The council’s role in any future local WtE plant will be purely regulatory.
'Objectionable odour': Smelly complaints keep council busy
The council dealt with 31 environmental complaints overall from April to June this year.
Waikato council changes tack on representation proposal
Hauraki District Council agrees to retain the status quo of 13 councillors plus the mayor.
Former councillor calls for early Māori ward polls in Te Tai Tokerau
Councils that want to keep their Māori wards should have to poll communities
'Remote' building inspections bring pluses and minuses, industry leader says
John Gray urges 'greater consequences' for lawbreakers as the Govt removes red tape.
Affordable rental homes to be built on former reserve land
The land was bought for $750,000 last month.
Whakaari owners want to grant scientists access
'If they're not monitoring that risk, that's not fair. I don't care who owns it.'
New housing growth plan prioritises 'housing crisis' - Rotorua mayor
Housing density standards are set to sit on the council table again.
Private cocktail party cost $40k but details of who attended still under wraps
The event was held to celebrate the city.