'Big deal': Hopes for change as city adopts first accessibility policy
About 25% of Rotorua’s population, roughly 20,000 people, have disabilities.
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Latest from Local Democracy
'Claims are weak': Court dismisses bid to halt marine precinct sale
An injunction stopping the sale of Tauranga's Marine Precinct is no longer in force.
'She died in my arms': Dog's death sparks road safety campaign
Surf instructor wants the speed limit on a coastal road reduced to 30km/h.
‘Unfair’: Mount businesses struggle with proposed street dining fees
Businesses say the plan is 'flawed' and 'bizarre' at a time when eateries are hard-hit.
'We churn out athletes': Push for indoor sports hub to support Tairāwhiti athletes
The facility may be built opposite Gisborne's Midway Surf Rescue Community Hub building.
Down the drain: Ripped out water meters almost cost town drinking supply
Police are investigating and would like to hear from anyone with information.
'Atrocious': Alder slams attendance records of some councillors
Average attendances range from 67% to 100%; genuine reasons but other excuses criticised
Councillor Tupara questions 'why it is an issue' over low meeting attendance rate
Nick Tupara's attendance fell from 87.2% in first year of term to 41.2% since October.
Teen's 160km hīkoi backing Māori wards referendum
Jack Karetai-Barrett's inviting others to join the walk, aiming to raise awareness.
Kaipara lifts water restrictions after steady rain boosts supply
A 22km pipeline will help Dargaville's water supply but not until the end of 2026.
Gisborne families to be housed as 10 new Kāinga Ora homes blessed
New tenants, previously in temporary housing, move in next week.
Council assessing Rotorua lake weed build-up
Rotting weed can cause a strong smell and build-up happens after bad weather.
Tauranga Māori ward by-election: What voters need to know
Voting opens today in the Te Awanui Ward by-election for Tauranga council.
Canterbury farmers ask MPs to cut red tape
Minister Nicola Grigg acknowledged that farmers were 'burdened' by paperwork.
Rotorua public feedback sought on draft annual plan, water service options
Public can provide input until May 5 on the council's new feedback website.
Tauranga byelection: Q&As with the five candidates
Voting for Tauranga's new Māori ward councillor begins on Monday.
Calls for action as feral cats impact 14% of East Coast farms
Feral cats are estimated to be on 14% of East Coast farms.
Mayor raises security concerns after abusive messages
The discussion was prompted by a protester's emotional outburst in a public meeting.
Strokes of inspiration? Mayors Mahé and James hit the water
Households could save up to $5000 if councils collaborate on water services.
Speed bumps or no speed bumps? Why not both? $500k for bizarre pedestrian crossing plan
Speed bumps will only be included on one side of the crossing.
‘Island in the wilderness’: Proposed boundary shift sparks concern
Residents say the proposed boundaries ignore local geographic ties.
Legal bid to halt sewerage pipe works fails in Environment Court
The decision comes less than two weeks since an urgent hearing.
'Splits us into two': Willie Apiata hands over Victoria Cross over entitlements issue
He gifted his medal to Veterans Affairs minister Chris Penk in the hope of a law change.
Big changes for art gallery and its supporters
Renovations are part of the $306m Te Manawataki o Te Papa project.
Gisborne wastewater treatment plant upgrade one year behind schedule
The filters caused a one-year delay in Gisborne's plant upgrade.
‘No wait time, no booking, just turn up’: Te Poho-o-Rawiri Marae hosting mobile health clinic
A nurse and paramedic staff the monthly clinic kaupapa, called Poua te Ora.
‘We will make better decisions’: Mayor on iwi council appointments
A pōwhiri was held for the three tangata whenua representatives.
Why Tauranga’s water service delivery options have sparked debate
Council discusses ministerial influence on Tauranga's Local Waters Done Well planning.
Rotorua water to be fluoridated by Friday
The council will also make two temporary sources of unfluoridated water available.
New automated gate to guard Lake Ōkataina against gold clam
The gate cost $32,669, and was funded by local councils and Biosecurity NZ.
‘Heartstring stuff’: Former politician wants reserve returned to whānau
'We think it’s appropriate it comes back to our whānau.'
How much a 12% rates rise could add to Tauranga homeowners' bills
The mayor says the council found $29m in savings to get the overall rise down to 12%.
‘Failed to achieve anything meaningful’: Why councillor won’t seek re-election
Revealed: Which Rotorua councillors say they will – or won't – stand in local election.
Auckland stadium debate: Eden Park’s hosting of councillors comes under scrutiny
The revelations come ahead of a crucial vote on Auckland’s future stadium strategy.