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Seabed miner slows fast track with 'cynical' response
An Australian company has slowed its fast track bid to mine the Taranaki seabed by failing to provide information demanded by officials.
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Man who fell off broken swing ordered to pay $20,000
15 Aug 2025Leon Sheeran took a $2.4 million claim against a council but is now facing a bill.
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Council-backed venue brings Pacific-led theatre to Auckland stage
15 Aug 2025Tafatolu is a new 50-minute play blending Sāmoan mythology, live music and physical theatre.
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Council's $52,000 report slammed as 'anti-Māori'
15 Aug 2025Mayor Craig Jepson claimed the document would serve as a guide for staff, councillors and the public
Local Democracy Reporting headlines with summaries.
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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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Wilding pine problem at 'tipping point'
14 Aug 2025Trees have spread aggressively through high country, farmland and conservation areas in Southland.
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Hapū blocks road in bid to reclaim ancestral lands
14 Aug 2025Ngāti Oneone blocked Hirini St on Wednesday morning so "the port could not go to work".
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Trial set for former funeral director over 'improper handling of human remains'
13 Aug 2025The former funeral director had earlier pleaded not guilty to charges related to the improper handling of human remains at Waikumete Cemetery.
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Rural Tasman highways drop to 80km/h
13 Aug 2025Phase 1 of Tasman's speed limit reductions have now been implemented, with high-risk rural roads dropping from 100km/h.
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Hawke's Bay fires: Fine criticised as 'economic incentive to burn'
12 Aug 2025Former Hawke's Bay Regional Council chairperson Rex Graham said $300 was not a deterrent.
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No votes, no problem: The early winners in local elections
12 Aug 2025The lack of candidates in some areas means representatives are being elected unopposed.
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Mayoral hopeful's website condemned as 'horrendous'
12 Aug 2025A candidate's has been slammed by fellow local politicians after his website looks to have posted "dangerous" and sexually disturbing content.
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King runs for Tasman mayor one last time
12 Aug 2025Two-term mayor Tim King is running for election again this year, but no matter the result, it will be his last time standing.
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Hobson’s Pledge founder wants ratepayer activist seat at table
10 Aug 2025New Plymouth district councillor Kevin Moratti wants the Ratepayers Alliance group to have access to council decision-making.
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Boundary reshuffle puts MP outside own electorate
8 Aug 2025Selwyn MP Nicola Grigg no longer resides within her own electorate following a boundary reshuffle ahead of next year's general election.
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Mayoral candidate wants council-run cannabis business
11 Aug 2025Camden Gaskin envisions it would employ 200 contractors and deliver significant economic benefits.
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Whakatāne council emissions almost double due to tree felling
8 Aug 2025The felling of the Valley Road pine forest earlier this year was to prevent the risk of trees falling, and erosion.
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DOC offers olive branch to Punakaiki locals over parking fees
7 Aug 2025The Conservation Department has offered a compromise over parking fees at Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks, after strong objections from locals.
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Soaring demand sparks change at Invercargill's Total Mobility
6 Aug 2025Budget blowouts have forced Invercargill City Council to propose changes to its subsidised travel programme for those living with impairments.
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Shared housing for elderly a step closer in Rangiora
5 Aug 2025The Waimakariri District Council will provide land and support to enable an Abbeyfields supported housing initiative to get off the ground.
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Waimakariri’s new councillors may get 22% pay bump
5 Aug 2025Councillor pay rates will jump from $58,110 to $71,026.
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Push for a pause on Masterton town hall demolition
5 Aug 2025A final attempt to pause the demolition of Masterton's Town Hall will be floated at a council meeting on Wednesday.
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Wairarapa wheels park gaining traction
4 Aug 2025Deb Dennes and now fellow Greytown resident Sid Kempton have been pushing the skate park project along for more than a decade, and construction is finally well underway.
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Small-town surge tops growth of Taranaki council contestants
2 Aug 2025There's strong competition for Taranaki council seats at the upcoming local body elections, despite the unclear future of some.
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Marlborough stadium under pressure as senior classes boom
4 Aug 2025A Blenheim pool is proving extremely popular with senior citizens doing water exercise.
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Sarjeant Gallery final cost $79.4m – ratepayers pick up a third of the bill
1 Aug 2025The bill for the restoration of the fragile heritage building went over by $19.67m.
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Councillors tired of being ‘beaten up’ and blamed by central government
1 Aug 2025South Wairarapa councillors are disappointed at central government for treating councils like children.
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Local elections 2025: Rotorua sets 'ambitious' 50% turnout goal
1 Aug 2025Reaching the 50 percent milestone is now the target, something only 20 of the 65 councils managed in 2022.
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