The government is proposing changes to simplify how local government works across New Zealand.
This is one of the most significant potential changes to local government in decades and could shape how councils operate in the future.
Kaipara District Council is working through what this might mean for our district. No decisions have been made.
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.
Read the Head Start pathway document (pdf 818KB)
Whether councils use the Head Start pathway or not, approval will be required from government before any work commences on the amalgamation of district and regional councils.
Government’s proposal focuses on simplifying the current system, where regional councils and district/city councils operate alongside each other.
No final decisions have been made by the government. Feedback from councils and communities will inform the next steps.
Timeline
The reform process is moving at pace, with several key stages:
- November 2025 – February 2026
Public consultation on the initial proposal - May 2026
Government announces a voluntary ‘Head Start’ pathway approach - Mid–2026
Councils consider options and may develop initial proposals and options (Head Start process) - 9 August 2026
Early proposals for reorganisation submitted to government - 2027
Government considers proposals and makes decisions - Post-2028 elections
Wider reforms may be implemented if required through the ‘backstop’ process.
Media releases
What is a unitary authority?
A unitary authority is a single council that combines the functions of both a regional council and a district or city council.
What did the government decide about regional councils?
Current regional council governance arrangements will remain in place until October 2028. Future changes will not include regional councillors and may result in new local government structures such as unitary authorities.
The government confirmed that key regional council functions, including flood protection, environmental management, biosecurity and public transport, will remain with local government.
Has Kaipara District Council made a decision?
No. Council has not made any decisions about possible amalgamation. At the 27 May council meeting elected members agreed to join a regional working group with Whangarei and Far North District Council, and Northland Regional Council.
When will these changes happen?
Whichever pathway is chosen, the government will have the final say. The legislation to support these changes is proposed to be introduced by government in 2027, and implementation would begin in 2028 in the leadup to the next local elections.
What would the new unitary authorities look like?
It's hard to say based on limited information available, but possibilities could include:
- Regional grouping into one unitary authority
- Multiple unitary authorities for large/complex regions
- Councils retaining their boundaries, but incorporating regional functions or sharing services.
Why is reform happening?
The Government considers the current system to be complex and duplicative, and wants a simpler, more cost-effective structure that delivers better outcomes for communities.
What happens if councils don't agree on a proposal?
The Government has signalled it may introduce a broader, mandatory approach after 2028 if locally-led proposals are not progressed.
