Local Democracy Reporting • SāmoaCouncil backs free arts event as debate grows over spending prioritiesAuckland Council says free public arts events help community wellbeing and connection amid rates concerns and calls for tighter spending.Taelegalolo'u Mary AfemataSat, 16 May
Local Democracy ReportingRSA Welfare: How the support system for NZ veterans is changingAs South Auckland RSA move away from traditional club models, questions are growing over who supports veterans beyond Anzac Day.Taelegalolo'u Mary AfemataThu, 14 May
Local Democracy ReportingFranklin Wairoa voters receive papers for local board by-electionThe Franklin Local Board Wairoa subdivision by-election has opened, with ballot papers arriving this week ahead of polls closing on June 10.Taelegalolo'u Mary AfemataTue, 12 May
Local Democracy ReportingMayor’s $6m shuffle saves South Auckland from service cutsA temporary Auckland Council funding fix could help some local boards avoid cuts and targeted rates, but underlying pressures remain unresolved.Taelegalolo'u Mary AfemataThu, 07 May
Local Democracy ReportingFuel or bread: Māngere volunteers step up as leaders ‘fail’ to act on cost-of-living supportWith local families reaching breaking point, a community-led expo has launched its own one-stop shop for financial help, claiming leaders aren’t doing enough on the ground.Taelegalolo'u Mary AfemataThu, 30 Apr
Local Democracy ReportingSouth Auckland RSA changes take shape amid questions over support for veteransAs local clubs close, merge or shift focus, questions remain on who is responsible for ongoing community support for veterans.Taelegalolo'u Mary AfemataFri, 24 Apr
Local Democracy ReportingApulu, Hausia to rotate local board chair roleThe position follows a court-ordered by-election after the original Papatoetoe result was voided.Taelegalolo'u Mary AfemataWed, 22 Apr
Local Democracy Reporting$80k boost for local sports but most Māngere-Ōtāhuhu clubs still waitingA handful of upgrades are locked in but dozens of community sport projects remain unfunded as demand keeps growing across South Auckland.Taelegalolo'u Mary AfemataSat, 18 Apr
Local Democracy Reporting‘Same families, same calls’: Police raise concern over repeat harm and youth crimePolice point to family harm, youth offending, and financial pressure as key drivers as local leaders call for stronger prevention and visibility.Taelegalolo'u Mary AfemataSat, 18 Apr
Local Democracy Reporting‘We’ve built this from nothing’: Future of garden in Māngere uncertain with no leaseAfter 17 years of community work, the project is still without a formal lease, raising fears it could be lost at any time.Taelegalolo'u Mary AfemataSat, 18 Apr