The face of local government in New Zealand is changing, and it's important that our community's voice is front and centre as we discuss what the future of our district could look like.

The Government is looking to simplify local government, by encouraging New Zealand's councils to merge or amalgamate to form a reduced number of unitary authorities. A unitary authority is a single council that combines the responsibilities of regional, and city or district councils.

Through the Government’s Head Start pathway, councils can work together to design a structure that works for their communities. We have until 9 August to come up with an Outline Proposal with one or more neighbouring territorial authorities.

We're asking for your feedback on five potential scenarios for merging with other Councils. These are not set in stone; our neighbours will have their own priorities and scenarios, and any final decision will ultimately be made by the Government. However, the scenarios are a way that we can capture our community's thoughts on a range of possible futures.

For our community, this is about having a say in our own future. If councils don’t take part, the Government has said it will step in later through a compulsory process, which could mean less local influence over the outcome.

We also need to be upfront, there’s still a lot we don’t know, including impacts on rates, and what would happen to ownership of our local assets. We don’t know how the people of Mid Canterbury will be represented and which regional council responsibilities we'd be required to take on.

We know these details matter. We will investigate them thoroughly and share updates with the community as more information becomes available.

Any proposal must also meet the Government’s Head Start criteria, including being deliverable, simplifying local governance, achieving economies of scale, supporting the new planning system, and ensuring local communities continue to have a strong voice.

While there's much still unknown, our top priority is to find the best possible outcome for Ashburton District and our people. We urge you to have your say and look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Feedback is open until Sunday 5 July 2026.

The government is forging ahead with local government reform and expects Councils will form unitary authorities, bringing district/city and regional functions together. The voluntary Head Start pathway is for councils to propose their own arrangements. The Back Stop process is for regions that don’t take part in Head Start with the Government choosing to amalgamate existing Councils into unitary authorities after the 2028 Local Elections.

We need to work with other councils to prepare proposals that meet the Government’s Head Start requirements. The Government will then assess these joint proposals using the criteria below:

• Is the proposal deliverable? The proposed unitary authority arrangements are realistic and can be implemented in a timely manner before the 2028 local elections

• Does the proposal support for the new planning system? The transition must align with and support new spatial and natural environmental planning rules

• Does the proposal simplify local governance? Proposals must reduce duplication and consolidate decision-making.

• Does the proposal demonstrate economies of scale? Demonstrate effective delivery of major regional functions (like transport and catchment management).

• Does the proposal maintain strong local voice? Ensure communities are fairly represented and local decision-making is preserved.

We’ve started looking at possible options and working with others across the region, including through the Canterbury Mayoral Forum, which is encouraging a coordinated approach. We’re also engaging with our community to understand what matters most. This feedback will help guide our thinking before we decide whether to be part of a formal Head Start proposal.