Shape Northland's future – local government surveys now open

Northland communities are being invited to have their say on a once in a generation change to local government, as surveys go live across all four councils.

The surveys are open until 5pm on Wednesday 24 June 2026.

Northland's four councils are working together to explore options that would see the region reorganised into one or more new unitary authorities that combine the functions of district and regional councils.

Whangarei District Council Mayor Ken Couper, who chairs the regional steering group overseeing Northland's local government reform programme, says participating in the Head Start pathway ensures Northland communities shape their own future.

"This is about taking a by Northland, for Northland approach. By working together and participating in the Head Start pathway, we keep control of how local government could work best for our communities, rather than having decisions made for us."

The Government announced the Head Start pathway in May 2026, giving councils a voluntary opportunity to develop their own proposals for local government reorganisation ahead of the 2028 local elections. Councils that do not participate will be subject to a centrally-led backstop process after the 2028 local elections.

Northland Regional Council Chair Pita Tipene says the tight timeframe set by Government makes it more important than ever for communities to have their say now.

"This survey gives us a time-limited opportunity for Northland to help shape its own future. It's important that any future arrangements reflect the needs, priorities and identity of communities across Taitokerau. We're working to shape change locally, focusing on functions and outcomes rather than structure to preserve the region's geography, community needs, and relationships, including with our tāngata whenua partners."

Despite the tight timeframe, Kaipara District Councill Mayor Jonathan Larsen is confident that community voices will be heard loudly throughout this process and reflected in any proposal being developed.

"This survey is an important opportunity for our communities to have their say on the future of local government in Northland. We want to hear a wide range of views to help inform council decision making. If we proceed with a proposal and it is supported by Government, there will be a full round of public consultation across our region between October and March before any final decisions are made.”

Far North District Council is extending its survey to 24 June, following more than 550 responses to its initial survey launched last month. Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin says the level of community interest so far has been outstanding.

"We know our community feels strongly about maintaining our local voice, so I am not surprised to see passionate Far North communities telling us what they think about the future of local government in our region,” Rudkin says.

“I am excited to be launching a supplementary survey today, asking Far North communities specifically about how decisions should be made locally versus regionally, and look forward to reading their responses."

Far North District Council and Whangarei District Council formally confirmed their participation in the Head Start pathway at council meetings on 11 June. Northland Regional Council and Kaipara District Council are scheduled to consider the matter at council meetings later in June.

Visit your council's website, complete the survey, and submit it before 5 pm on Wednesday 24 June to have your say.

Survey links:

• Far North District Council
• Whangarei District Council
• Northland Regional Council
• Kaipara District Council

Visit the Head Start for Simplifying Local Government page for more information about the Head Start pathway.