News Cyclone-stricken rural families ‘falling between policy cracks’ A group of frustrated Gisborne residents say they are stuck in “survival mode” after Cyclone Gabrielle destroyed bridge access to farms more than a year ago. Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter 15 hours ago
News ‘Speechless’: Family goes from living in tent to a new home One family lived in a tent during the cyclone. Another ended up in emergency housing and even slept in a truck one night. And a couple had nowhere to go so lived with family for two years. These are the stories of those who now have new affordable... Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter 06 May 2024
News Alcohol policy proposals aim to limit licences near schools and playgrounds by Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter 02 May 2024
News Proposed alcohol policies a ‘barrier to progress’, Gisborne District Council told A prominent business family implored Gisborne District Council to use “commonsense” and consider “the CBD’s vibrancy” during the local alcohol policy hearings on Wednesday morning. The McCann family submitted and presented three... Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter 26 Apr 2024
News Jones keen on ‘practical things’ Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he will join the “shrill” voices of climate change, but only if “we’re doing practical things”. Mr Jones made the comment during a speech at the dawn ceremony celebrating the Waipaoa River... Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter 20 Apr 2024
News Aratu Forests loses FSC certification A second Gisborne forestry company within the space of two months has lost its sustainability accreditation. Aratu Forests’ (formerly Hikurangi Farm Forests) Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certificate was suspended on March 28 by Swiss auditing... Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter 19 Apr 2024
News Council backs speeding up consents process for housing, roading and water storage A bill to allow fast-track consents was debated among Gisborne district councillors yesterday, with some labelling it an “over-reach” from the Government and others believing it will stop developments being “held to ransom”. At an operations... Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter 19 Apr 2024
News Community-led transport suggested for Coast by Zita Campbell A Botswana local living in Ūawa has suggested the district council operate a locally-led bus service along the East Coast. Thabiso Mashaba, an Edmund Hillary Fellow, told the “Let’s Talk Transport” hearing on Thursday it... Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter 17 Apr 2024
News Smash Palace co-owner bemoans night-time transport options What’s Gisborne’s nightlife economy worth? “We don’t know because we haven’t tested it,” said hospitality businessman and musician Darryl Monteith during the “Let’s Talk Transport” Hearing on Thursday. Mr Monteith co-owns Smash... Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter 16 Apr 2024
News Rural communities call for action on inaccessible roads and footpaths Eerie, scary and bad for your health. That was the damning assessment of some rural Gisborne roads during the Let’s Talk Transport Hearing on Thursday. Residents of Waiomatatini Valley, Ruatōria and Motu want action from Gisborne Regional... Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter 13 Apr 2024
News ‘Consider the children’ - plea at regional transport hearing A dad and surgeon is urging Gisborne’s council to consider the safety of children who commute to school after witnessing too many “near misses”. Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter 13 Apr 2024
News Councillor attendance records defended: Engagement, contribution ‘better measure’ of effectiveness Attendance is not the highest indicator of engagement, some councillors have said in response to recently released figures which show some councillors are only making it to two out of every three meetings.” The council has released the most recent... Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter 10 Apr 2024
News GDC resolute on Maori wards Gisborne District Council has shown its support for retaining Māori wards as the Government looks to bring back binding referendums. Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter 06 Apr 2024