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Zita
Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter

Tolaga Bay Wharf’s future uncertain amid funding challenges

Councillors are urging staff to investigate options for restoring the Gisborne district’s “iconic” Tolaga Bay Wharf, which is suffering from “ongoing deterioration” after severe weather in 2023/24. In 2014 the wharf had $5.5 million worth...

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Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter

21 Feb 2025

News

‘Experience the freedom’: Deputy mayor on leaving council in 2025

After 11 years in local government, while raising four kids as a single dad and co-parenting two, Gisborne’s deputy mayor will not be seeking re-election in 2025. At the completion of his last term, Josh Wharehinga wants to spend time on his new...

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Gisborne Herald

01 Jan 2025

News

Gisborne Council eyes medium-density housing to address crisis

Gisborne District Council is exploring medium-density housing to address the city’s housing crisis. The council aims to provide 5400 new homes over 30 years, focusing on existing urban areas. Key elements include zoning improvements, infrastructure...

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Gisborne Herald

24 Dec 2024

News

Gisborne council adopts strategic direction after report on mana whenua land

Gisborne District Council acquired land from Ngāi Tāmanuhiri for water supply, sparking disputes. Researcher Jane Luiten’s report highlighted historical injustices and led to a new strategic partnership. The council adopted a framework for...

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‘Nothing more for ratepayer’: Councillor slams water infrastructure plan

Gisborne councillors adopted two options for water service delivery under the “Local Water Done Well” plan. The first option modifies the current model, offering lower short-term costs but maintaining council management. The second option...

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Gisborne District Council opposes Treaty Principles Bill, citing community impact

At a meeting on Wednesday, the majority of councillors backed the council’s submission to oppose the Bill and for the Government to abandon it. Mayor Rehette Stoltz said some people might not support the council making a submission, but she stood...

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Gisborne unveils water filtration unit for emergencies

Gisborne can now produce a significant amount of drinking water during severe weather events through a first-of-its-kind filtration unit that converts seawater into fresh, drinkable water for 10,000 people per day. It is another boost to the...

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Gisborne District Council applies for another enforcement order against Aratu Forests

One of Gisborne’s largest forestry firms faces a fresh enforcement order to stop slash and debris washing into waterways, just one day after it agreed on conditions for a previous enforcement order. Aratu Forests is coming under increased pressure...

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Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter

06 Dec 2024

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Gisborne seeks exemption from Government’s freshwater plan change freeze

A Government plan change has fired up Gisborne District councillors who are “angry” their plans are interrupted by “Wellington-based” decisions. The Resource Management Act on freshwater planning had a shift in rules on October 25...

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Gisborne councillors fear loss of control over forestry rules

Gisborne district councillors fear a proposed nationwide environmental standard would prevent the council from creating and enforcing rules to safeguard Tairāwhiti’s “unique terrain”. During a council meeting last week, councillors questioned...

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Net-zero by 2030: Council’s goal now seen as aspirational

A Gisborne district councillor is frustrated a plan to have net-zero emissions by 2030 looks more “aspirational” than “achievable”. During Wednesday’s Sustainable Tairāwhiti Meeting, councillor Tony Robinson reminded staff “there is no...

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Gisborne’s wonky $6.7k give-way sign

A persistently crooked give-way sign in Gisborne has become a talking point, thanks to frequent mishaps, including facing the wrong direction for 10 days. No matter how many times Gisborne District Council staff fix the sign at the corner of Grey St...

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Tolaga Bay resident urges council action on historic wharf and hall

An East Coast farmer is urging Gisborne District Council to uphold a “historic commitment” to transfer two significant Tolaga Bay landmarks to the council’s records for restoration and maintenance. Tolaga Bay man Clive Bibby presented to...

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Gisborne Herald

25 Nov 2024