Latest from Local Democracy

Speedway deal: Proposal to sell Baypark stand for $1, extend lease
The council is mulling plans to extend speedway operations at Baypark until 2039.

Regional councillor Toi Iti seeks Doug Leeder's seat
He aims to bridge Māori and non-Māori communities on the council.

Permit reduction likely for Gisborne truck route
New maps exclude Ormond Rd from the NZTA’s ‘H’ permit system.

'Unsafe levels': Toxic gas concern closes events centre office
Rotorua's council is investigating the source and monitoring gas levels.

'They just want to play': Kids miss out as sports field vandalism issue grows
A retired cop aims to track down those responsible for damage to his club's grounds.

Balancing the books: Gisborne councillors debate fairness of new water regulation levy
Councillors opted to absorb costs from the existing water services budget.

'Right and proper': Rotorua council agrees to return land to whānau
Councillors decided to return the land rather than sell it.

One council to rule them all? Rotorua to explore options with neighbours
Tauranga mayor backs having the conversation, saying it's time to 'put egos aside'.

'A slap in the face': Tairāwhiti groups react to RMA forestry proposals
Public consultation on Resource Management Act changes began on Thursday.

'Amazing community asset': Pool saved from closure with $5.71m boost
The Ōtūmoetai Pool will remain open and receive funding for upgrades.

Biggest change in NZ history: New proposals for freshwater, infrastructure, farming
'Sorting out our planning rules is critical to boosting economic growth.'

'Huge impact': Subdivision residents concerned about traffic from development
About 200 homes are planned, with access through Rowesdale Drive in Ōhauiti.

Regional ratepayers to fund $3.58m loan for Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Debate on the final split of the controversial scheme's $32.3m cost begins today.

'Avoidable legal costs': Council wins half of $100k legal fee from forestry company
Environmentalists call for stronger regulations to prevent similar issues.

'Woefully inadequate': Sportsground has six toilets for 4000 people
A request for funding to ease toilet troubles at netball courts prompts debate.

Controversial plan to move prisoner reintegration facility takes next step
It comes as the council investigates the facility's activities at its current site.

Editorial: Council rates are the tax we love to hate
OPINION: The only certainties in life are death and taxes – and both are expensive.

How Rotorua's air pollution transformation defied expectations
Once breathing NZ's worst winter air, the city has shed its 20-year-old 'polluted' label.

'Water is a public good': Submitter majority back Gisborne council-run water plan
Households could face annual rate increases or decreases of $100 per year under the model.

Protesters tell council to 'stop the spend' as they face 12% rates hike
About 250 people attended a rally in Tauranga on Sunday.

'Won the battle': How a community pool could be saved from closure
Tauranga City Council will review options for the Ōtūmoetai Pool in June.