Latest fromPublic Interest - LDR
'Grabbing his shotgun': Council granted injunction after threats, abuse reported
Local Democracy Reporting obtained the decision through the court.
'Feel the wairua': $300k sculpture by Rotorua artist unveiled in Tauranga CBD
A 7-tonne sculpture by a has been unveiled in Tauranga's Red Square.
From adversity to opportunity: Puketawai Marae’s journey post-cyclone
Puketawai Marae, hit hard by Cyclone Gabrielle, plans to shift to safer, higher ground.
Councillor slams new Rotorua sports strategy
The mayor says she is 'disappointed' with one councillor's position.
'Scandalous': Former TV host questions $29m Rotorua lake sewerage scheme claims
The council apologised for inaccurate information and explained its analysis.
Commissioner reveals when emergency motels decision due
Special hearing: Govt wants consents extended but others want most or all denied.
'A sign of the times': Gisborne councillors discuss changing sealed roads to unsealed to manage road budget
Policy needed as Gisborne council plans unsealed roads; public meetings to discuss impact.
'Waste of money': Should more than $500k in unused rates have been refunded?
A majority in the community wanted the money back, but the council chose to reallocate it.
Drugs, theft, safety fears: Tourism village's emergency housing motel impacts
People of Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village have welcomed visitors for 200+ years.
Thieves, vandals target pools: Showers, basin stolen
Shower fittings and a wash basin were among items stolen.
Emergency housing: 'Battle-weary' Rotorua residents tell of distress
Motel use resulted in distrust and disbelief in agencies involved, a lawyer says.
Why Tauranga's new mayor, councillors support industrial rates rises
Tauranga's industrial businesses are paying at least double in rates than residents.
'Get rid of it': Gisborne councillors discuss Grey St trial safety concerns with staff
Protesters demand change as councillors debate Grey St intersection safety issues.
Emergency motel issues 'significantly worse' if contracts end now – Ministry
The Government wants to keep operating them for another year.
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?
Te Kautuku pilot project showcases digital infrastructure for regenerative farming
The project redefines land use, integrating digital infrastructure for sustainability.
New $300,000 city sculpture to be revealed
A 7m sculpture inspired by nature and Māori imagery will be unveiled in Tauranga's CBD.
Call for freedom camping clampdown
Under-fire freedom campers say they do support local businesses on their travels.
Tauranga marine precinct sale ‘unconscionable’, meeting told
The sale of Tauranga's marine precinct for $13.9m has angered fishing businesses.
'Looking after our legacy': What's next in fight to keep out clam invaders
'We’re going to do our best to ensure the danger to our lake and whenua doesn’t get here.'
Sewerage scheme dispute: Fence comes down at tapu lake
Members of the local iwi say they will continue to fight.
'Better off having a free dumping system?': Illegal dumping doubles amid rubbish sticker resales
Gisborne's kerbside rubbish sticker trade online raises fears of illegal dumping.