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Shadbolt statue fundraiser upsets family
His partner is criticising a crowd-funded statue project for the late mayor, urging people not to donate.
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'Cultural vandalism': Residents angry over Sunday library closure
9:07 am todayThe decision has landed badly with many older adults who say families, students and weekday workers are all impacted.
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Ashburton council skips consultation on proposed 8.71 percent rates rise
5:45 am todayThe mayor said the draft budget is in line with the long-term plan, so the majority of councillors felt it had already been consulted on.
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Accountant goes off-script with 'dire' wine industry predictions
18 Mar 2026The next few years are going to be "so dire" for the wine industry, and the effects will be felt throughout Marlborough, an accountant has warned councillors.
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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Wharfside businesses face uncertain future as building set for demolition
18 Mar 2026Two popular waterfront businesses will be without homes from next month.
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The region facing a potential 18% water rates hike
18 Mar 2026For an average urban household, using drinking water and wastewater services, the cost could increase by $280.
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Boost for Kaikōura's iconic bird
18 Mar 2026A record 37 tītī (Hutton's shearwaters) chicks hatched this season in a managed colony, with just one chick lost..
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Up to 200 properties ‘may be directly affected’ by Petone to Grenada road
18 Mar 2026The deep cuts to build the Woodridge tunnel would mean compulsory property acquisitions in the area, Wellington's deputy mayor says.
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West Coast council mulls fuel price impact
The regional council is "watching and waiting", but won't stop any work in the meantime, its chief executive says.
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Troubled pilot academy: Mayor backs review after $11m loss revealed
18 Mar 2026Whanganui District Council could face scrutiny over its investment in the troubled pilot academy after a report highlighted the substantial loss for ratepayers.
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Coastal protection a priority despite planning handbrake
17 Mar 2026Environment Canterbury says it is continuing to review the Canterbury Regional Coastal Environment Plan, despite a government pause on planning work.
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Political hopeful Karl Mokaraka rejects 'serial heckling' label
Karl Mokaraka has been removed from Parliament and disrupted political events. He now has his sights set on running for the Papatoetoe Local Board.
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Councillor hits out at irresponsible dog owners
16 Mar 2026An Auckland councillor is calling on dog owners to be more responsible, as the region marks the first-year anniversary of its newest animal shelter.
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Dolphin's death spurs calls for greater protection
16 Mar 2026Conservation groups want action to protect dolphins off Canterbury's coast, following reports that 14 of 24 dolphin deaths around NZ in the past two years were in in Canterbury.
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Gisborne councillors back waste hub site despite mana whenua opposition
14 Mar 2026Gisborne is a step closer to taking control of regional waste, but some district councillors expressed "discomfort" over the process.
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Sailing programme teaching traditional Pacific navigation skills
14 Mar 2026Pacific and Māori learners are reconnecting with ocean voyaging knowledge while building confidence on the water in Auckland, the programme founder says.
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Massive AI factory could impact sea life, cultural values
13 Mar 2026Datagrid announced it had gained full resource consent meaning it was one step closer to constructing an AI factory in Makarewa.
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Food, music and culture return as Pasifika Festival takes over Western Springs
13 Mar 2026The Pasifika Festival is one of Auckland city's largest publicly funded cultural events. Audio
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'Warmer, drier, windier': Carterton faces more flooding, fires and drought
13 Mar 2026Carterton District Council has flagged climate as one of its top three strategic risks.
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Kaikōura steps up efforts to protect night sky
13 Mar 2026The Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust has reflected on the community's ongoing efforts to protect the night sky during a presentation to the Kaikōura District Council.
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Crash involving student ignites bridge safety concerns
13 Mar 2026A recent incident involving an Ashburton student being hit by a car has raised concerns about traffic once the town's second bridge opens.
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Stood-down Napier deputy mayor doesn't want the job back
11 Mar 2026The deputy mayor role is now up for grabs for the third time since October.
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West Coasters can now search all the hazard maps in one place
11 Mar 2026The portal could be instrumental for West Coast farmers, who will now be able to identify flooding risks, the council's chief executive said.
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Closure of ‘spectacular’ sinkhole stuns climber
11 Mar 2026A climber who regularly visits is perplexed by DOC's decision to close the popular track.
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Councillors hold private meeting after Napier mayor accused of 'reckless' decision making
10 Mar 2026Mayor Richard McGrath stood down his Deputy Mayor Sally Crown in February after she refused to resign.
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Restaurant questioned over serving more shisha than food
9 Mar 2026Alcohol licensing inspectors have visited five times since September 2024, noting alcohol served to customers after licensed hours and more customers having shisha than food.
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Porirua's old street naming guidelines binned
6 Mar 2026The Porirua City Council's Te Puna Kōrero committee agreed on Thursday to abandon a 20-year-old policy for street naming.
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