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'Grinch' mayor may save Winter Festival
Max Brough who campaigned on a rates cap dressed as the Grinch in New Plymouth's Christmas Parade last weekend.
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Crate Day revellers warned to watch for nesting birds
2 Dec 2025Environment Canterbury rangers, other agencies and volunteers will be out in force on Saturday to protect nesting birds on Crate Day.
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'Please walk on me': NZ flag exhibition shocks councillor
2 Dec 2025The controversial installation includes a New Zealand flag laid on the floor, inviting people to "please walk on me".
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Wairarapa to consider holiday hotspot booze ban
2 Dec 2025The issue is raised in a report to be put before Masterton's District Council on Wednesday.
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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Community rallies behind Castlepoint Hotel after liquor licence lost
1 Dec 2025The Hotel confirmed they closed the bar after hoping they would be able to keep serving alcohol while the appeals process was underway.
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Second Marlborough swimming hole falls to flood damage
30 Nov 2025A second popular swimming spot in Marlborough will be closed this summer, due to flood repair works.
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Councillors given up to $5500 for security after rise in threats
28 Nov 2025The allowance is one of a number available to elected officials as set out by the Remuneration Authority.
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Kaipara leader urges Kai Iwi Lakes closure to protect against gold clam threat
28 Nov 2025Around 7500 people will be camping at Kai Iwi Lakes over summer.
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Dog attack on child prompts call for on-leash areas in Kawerau
28 Nov 2025Several incidents with unleashed dogs have led a Kawerau woman to request the council create an on-leash area.
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New Zealand's most hit rail bridge to finally be fixed
28 Nov 2025The Tiwald Viaduct in Canterbury gets hit at least 13 times a year, according to KiwiRail.
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Cyclone red zones to be phased out
27 Nov 2025Land categories are about to be a thing of the past for Hawke's Bay properties.
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Putrid pong lingers as decomposing weed and dead fish pile up
27 Nov 2025Something stinks in Rotorua, and it's not the sulphur scent residents embrace and visitors expect.
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Wilding pines threaten Kaikōura ranges in 'looming catastrophe'
26 Nov 2025A patch of wilding trees have been found about 3km from the as-yet uninfected Inland Kaikōura Range.
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Mayors can't represent Māori - West Coast iwi chair
26 Nov 2025Paul Madgwick has rejected the idea that mayors would represent Māori interests on the government's proposed new boards.
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Mayors welcome law to combat 'vicious, sinister' harassment
26 Nov 2025"Our elected members come from the community and should be able to carry out our roles without fear of personal attacks or harassment," Carterton's mayor says.
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Te Mata Peak discovery sparks warning over invasive weed
24 Nov 2025Invasive pest Chilean needle grass has sharp, needle-like seeds which have posed a serious threat to Hawke's Bay's agriculture.
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'Going backwards': Concern mounts over wilding pine threat
21 Nov 2025Environment Southland acting CEO Rob Phillips said about $25 million was needed to tackle the issue, on top of the "ballpark" $20 million already spent.
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Cause of leak that sent treated wastewater into lake a mystery
21 Nov 2025The leak at the Rotorua treatment plant is contained, but health warnings remain.
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NZ's biggest regional park re-opens after 1080 pest control
21 Nov 2025The operation in Hūnua Ranges, Waharau and Whakatiwai began in August, and was completed in late October.
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Hunt for one-tonne Peace Bell continues
20 Nov 2025The bronze bell was discovered missing by Auckland council staff.
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Gridlock-causing roadworks pushed to 2026, MP says Rotorua was let down
20 Nov 2025Patients, students, and businesses were hit as a Rotorua road closure caused major disruption.
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Dog owner blames themself for park attack
20 Nov 2025A dog owner blamed themself for an attack at a Masterton park by one of their dogs, saying if they had not been off work sick with flu the incident probably would not have happened.
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Kaikōura council's plan for another 400 homes
20 Nov 2025Depending on the mix of housing types, it will represent significant growth for the district's population of 4200.
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Digger goes for a swim at Waitaria Bay jetty
20 Nov 2025Work to replace a Marlborough Sounds jetty has taken a dive after a digger got stuck and became submerged.
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Council to fix Marlborough road after damning report
19 Nov 2025The report by Sentec, commissioned by Marlborough Roads, looked at the safety of heavy commercial vehicles on Port Underwood Road and Queen Charlotte Drive.
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Southland windfarm plan moves through fast-track process
19 Nov 2025A $1.1 billion Southland windfarm proposal has reared its head at a regional council after facing rejection earlier this year.
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No mandate for mandir: Nelson Hindus seek help to build temple
19 Nov 2025Currently, Hindu events in Nelson either take place in the Multicultural Hall, which has to be rented out, or in a small room in Rozelyn Singh's house.
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