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Foreign forester blocked from turning farmland into plantation
Overseas investors were barred from turning Marlborough farmland into forest after a minister questioned its benefits.
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Debate over random drug testing vs impairment testing
Whakatāne District Council recently signed an agreement with The Drug Detection Agency to provide all drug and alcohol screening for staff in "safety sensitive…
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Contractor locked in cupboard at Whakatāne council
A hydrogen gas vent being incorrectly installed, contractors hitting electrical wire, and a contractor being locked in a cupboard were the most notable health…
Local Democracy Reporting headlines with summaries.
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Rates debt continues to climb in Whakatāne
Covid-19 appears to be hitting the community with fewer people managing to pay their rates on time this quarter.
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Marlborough Airport faces 89 percent drop in profits
The coronavirus pandemic has clipped Marlborough Airport's wings, slashing this year's profits by 89 percent.
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Ngāi Tahu off to court over West Coast Conservation Board row
The Ngāi Tahu rūnanga is mounting a legal challenge to the Minister of Conservation's appointment decisions for the West Coast Conservation Board.
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New name for road to Redwoods in Rotorua
The gateway to the Rotorua Redwoods - Longmile Rd - will be renamed Tītokorangi Drive as part of efforts by the district council and mana whenua to restore the pakiwaitara, or stories, of the area.
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Council seeks solution over Drury development shortfall
Auckland Council says it will oppose plans by developers Kiwi Property, Fulton Hogan and Oyster Capital to redevelop Drury unless they can reach an agreement by next year to fund a $1 billion…
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Pandemic-proofing Gisborne Hospital
Gisborne Hospital will undergo "major" works to future-proof against an outbreak of Covid-19 and possible future pandemics.
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Agrochemicals air quality study planned for Marlborough
Are pesticides degrading air quality in rural areas? It's a question researchers have begun investigating in New Zealand's largest wine region.
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West Coast council signs up for flood protection cash
The West Coast Regional Council is forging ahead with the four flood protection projects it successfully pitched to the government as shovel-ready projects.
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Anti-social behavior may see alleyway closed
A Kawerau alleyway may soon be closed after neighbours complained of motorbikes, people urinating, and rubbish in the alley.
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West Coast council leaders call for a Labour Conservation Minister
West Coast council leaders are hoping a new minister will be drawn from Labour's own ranks this term - and take a more pro-industry approach to the use of conservation land.
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Misinformation, complacency to blame for low Waiariki turnout - Labour electorate committee chair
Preliminary election results show only 71 percent of East Coast and 54 percent of Waiariki enrolled voters turned out to vote. The nationwide average was 82.5 percent.
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Gisborne District Council lifts block on prolific writer of emails
A Gisborne man has received an apology from the district council after he was barred from contacting councillors for being "unreasonably persistent".
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Eye-watering results continue in Marlborough meter trials
An early water meter trial in Marlborough found one house in Havelock leaking 30,000 litres a week. New results show two houses leaking that a day.
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Wilding pines battle ramps up in Marlborough
In the palm of Jaquetta Bradshaw's hand is a sapling with the power to dry rivers, start bush fires and kill off native life.
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Hurt versus history: Critics, fans debate future of Endeavour models
Two controversial Endeavour models in Gisborne symbolise "hurt and trauma" for some, while for others they mark a point in history which they say should not be "suppressed".
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Carver again shapes landmark pouwhenua
The hands of Kereama Hohua with Danny McRoberts shaped the first pouwhenua placed on one of New Zealand's oldest pā sites in modern times.
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Pharmac decision pending on life changing diabetes medication
Pharmac is expected to decide next week whether it will fund two new medicines to treat type 2 diabetes.
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Major changes unlikely to new freshwater rules – WCRC chief executive
Any changes to the government's new freshwater rules are likely to be minor, according to the new chief executive of the West Coast Regional Council, Vin Smith.
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West Coast council and iwi sign historic pact for resource management
The West Coast Regional Council and local iwi will make history tomorrow when they sign a formal pact to work together.
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Rise of 'conspiracists' hits immunisation rates
Misinformation and rumours about vaccinations are among the reasons Tairāwhiti's immunisation rates are falling, medical professionals say.
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Converted shed 'not fit for human habitation' now certified, after ruling
A couple caught out living in a shed converted to a 'tiny house' were told to strip it back to its original condition to comply with council laws.
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Wāhine grab chance to have voice at the council table
Local government in Wairarapa is no longer the "pale, stale male" environment it once was, according to a recent survey.
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Councillor abruptly resigns after votes for Māori constituencies
Northland Regional Council today voted to bring in new Māori constituencies - in a controversial move that led to a long-term councillor resigning.
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Monumental change urged to battle South Auckland diabetes epidemic
New Zealand needs to change how it fights the scourge of diabetes, which is costing the country millions every year to treat, a Middlemore Hospital specialist says.
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