Latest from Local Democracy

Mural magic: Kiwi artists bring life to Gisborne's city centre

Residents 'spruce up' the city’s derelict spaces with paint and scrubbing brushes.

Kaipara councillor wears a Mickey Mouse T-shirt to meetings over 'worrying state of democracy'

The mayor disagrees with the councillor's comments.

'Unsupported allegations': Tauranga mayor backs staff 'targeted' on social media

Social media comments about Tauranga City Council 'unfairly targeted council staff'.

From tired to jazzed up: Gisborne’s main street’s spring clean

Donations include paint, plywood, and supplies, as local artists create a town mural.

Report card: How Rotorua Lakes Council scored over past year

The mayor also shared a message.

'Pretty meaty actions': Hopes for air quality push

Mount industrial businesses have agreed to lower their environmental impact. Is it enough?

Wider, longer alcohol bans could be on the way for Raglan

Huntly, Tuakau, Pōkeno, Mercer and Taupiri could be affected by proposed bylaw changes.

MP Jamie Arbuckle on his ‘darkest day’ and ‘doing the right thing’

NZ First MP has officially stepped back from his Marlborough District Council role.

Te Kautuku pilot project showcases digital infrastructure for regenerative farming

The project redefines land use, integrating digital infrastructure for sustainability.

Regional councillor denies grandstanding claim after meeting removal

Allan Birchfield: 'I’m just trying to do my best for the people who elected me.'

'Voices of the people': Man claims public comments censored

Limiting comments and feedback creates an echo chamber, says resident.

‘Trail of broken promises’: $34m council land sale disappoints hapū

A Tauranga hapū wanted to build homes for its whanau but the land was sold to developers.

Rural families devastated as key bridges lost in Cyclone Gabrielle remain unfunded

Only two of eight cyclone-damaged bridges will be funded; families face ongoing isolation.

Māori ward contenders told ‘do the homework’

'Don’t leave it to the last minute, get your whānau wrapped around you.'

'Grinch' councillor quizzes teen reps on political affiliations

'Are there any [youth] councillors here that may be affiliated with the National Party?'

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz urges voter participation in local elections

Time to invite younger people and make them aware of roles council plays

Tory Whanau appears to like Instagram comments suggesting Govt intervention a 'hit-job'

The mayor's account has since un-liked the comments.

Dog walkers slam new rules limiting numbers

Auckland Council plans to limit the number of dogs walked by a person at one time.