Northland councils welcome KDC to regional reform process

Kaipara District Council will join the Local Government Reform Elected Member Steering Group, confirming its participation in a regional response to local government reforms.

The council made its decision during a meeting held at Tangiteroria Community Complex on 27 May 2026.

Other participating Northland councils – Northland Regional Council, Whangarei District Council and Far North District Council – have welcomed the Kaipara District Council decision that will see all four consider local government reform though their Local Government Reform Elected Member Steering Group.

Kaipara District Council Mayor Jonathan Larsen said the work needs to stay grounded in local priorities.

“We want to make sure we’re looking at the options carefully and keeping the focus on what really matters for all our communities. These are important decisions for Northland’s future, so it’s vital we approach them in a thoughtful, considered way.”

Ken Couper, Whangarei District Council Mayor and Chair of the Local Government Reform Elected Member Steering Group, said the decision supports a coordinated ‘By Northland for Northland’ approach to the work ahead.

“This is an early stage, council led process. Our focus right now is on testing options, building a strong evidence base, and working through the trade-offs. There are no decisions yet on representation or service delivery arrangements.”

Far North District Council Mayor Moko Tepania said given councils only had a short timeframe to consider the Head Start proposal, it was important to work together in a coordinated approach.

“As proud Northlanders I know our steering group members will do our best to understand the issues and options in front of us during this phase, in order to achieve practical and positive changes for our rohe."

Northland Regional Council Chair Pita Tipene said that a unified approach was critical given both the opportunities and challenges of this significant undertaking.

Weaving and integrating the component parts of Northland together with their unique characteristics could now be advanced with much more certainty in this initial phase.

“Working together at a regional level is critical, particularly where councils need to consider how future arrangements could support effective regional planning, transport, catchment management, and alignment with the new planning system.”

All councils are aligned to keep the community informed as any proposal progresses. This will include further public consultation and statutory decision making processes before any structural change could occur.

Joint press release (Kaipara District Council, Whangarei District Council, Far North District Council, Northland Regional Council)