The Government has announced it wants fewer local authorities across New Zealand and is asking local and regional councils to merge together (or amalgamate) to form a reduced number of unitary authorities.
These unitary authorities would combine the functions of local councils with those from regional councils, such as Environment Canterbury. 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 starting implementation.
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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.
Head Start agreements would be in place for the 2028 elections.
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.
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