Simplifying Local Government
What has the Government announced?
The Government has announced it wants fewer local authorities across New Zealand and is asking local and regional councils to consider the amalgamation of District Councils and Regional Councils into unitary authorities
These unitary authorities would combine the functions of local councils with those from regional councils, such as Northland Regional Council. The government has stated its preference for one unitary authority per region, however there are allowances for regions that are large or have more complex issues.
The Government is giving councils a three-month window to propose the new arrangements themselves under the "Head Start" pathway, and has stated if councils cannot do this, then the Government itself will propose amalgamations under a "backstop" approach.
Whether councils use the Head Start pathway or the Back Stop process, approval will be required from Government before any work commences on the amalgamation of District and Regional Councils.
Head Start
The voluntary Head Start pathway provides councils with an early opportunity to propose their own arrangements for regional reorganisation into unitary authorities. There are a few conditions attached: two or more councils are required to work together on the proposal, and the proposal can incorporate other councils, whether they agree with the proposal or not.
Back Stop
For regions that are not part of the Head Start pathway, district and city councils will continue through to the 2028 elections. The Back stop process involves the Government amalgamating existing councils into unitary authorities after the 2028 Local Elections. This process will be developed by the Government in 2027.
FAQ
The Government has signalled that New Zealand's current system of regional and district councils creates duplication and inefficiency and needs to change. It has invited councils to develop their own proposals for reorganisation into simpler, more effective local government structures.
This is a once in a generation change to local government that will shape how Northland communities are served, represented, and heard for decades to come.
The Head Start pathway is a voluntary option provided by Government that gives councils the opportunity to develop locally-led proposals for local government reorganisation.
The Government announced the Head Start pathway in May and set a three-month window for councils to submit proposals. Participating in the Head Start pathway would give Northland the opportunity to shape our own future, rather than waiting for a centrally-led backstop process after the 2028 local elections, where change would be directed by Government rather than led locally.
Both. The Government announced the Head Start pathway and set the timeframe and criteria, but participating in it is voluntary. All four Northland councils have formally confirmed their participation in the Head Start pathway.
Currently Northland has four separate councils – three district councils responsible for local services and planning, and one regional council responsible for environmental management, regional transport, and civil defence. A unitary authority combines both into a single organisation, responsible for both local and regional functions.
No. Under the Head Start pathway, two or more of Northland's district councils can submit a proposal together, provided they represent a majority of the population across the affected area. Regional councils cannot submit proposals under the Head Start pathway.
The Elected Member Steering Group will recommend an outline proposal in July, which will then go to each council to vote on whether to support it. If supported, the outline proposal will be submitted to Government by 9 August.
No decisions have been made on structure, representation, service delivery, or boundaries.
Treaty settlement arrangements will continue to be upheld. Our proposal must demonstrate how existing settlement arrangements would be transferred to a new unitary authority with the same effect. The Government has also committed to working directly with post-settlement governance entities on any proposed arrangements.
Have your say
We got a huge response to our Simplifying Local Government survey's demonstrating how important proposed changes to councils are to our communities. Thank you.
We heard that while people have mixed views about reform, there is strong agreement on what matters most – affordable rates, retaining a strong local voice, reliable services, and making sure smaller, rural communities are not overlooked.
Feedback closed on Wednesday 24 June and we will provide updates as the project progresses.
Want more info?
Check out the Government's proposal here.
We're at the very start of this process and there are a lot of questions still to be answered, but we want to ensure our community has the opportunity to provide their thoughts from the earliest stages.
As we begin discussions with our neighbours and the Government, we need to know what matters most to you and what must be protected for the future of our community.