The 9 August deadline for proposals under the Government’s Head Start pathway has now passed, and the shape of local government reform is starting to come into focus. Here’s a wrap-up on the possible amalgamated councils from the four regions Property Council operates in.
Auckland
As a unitary authority and a supercity in its own right, Auckland remains unaffected by the Head Start pathway.
Central
In the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, there’s a bit of a mixed picture. Hamilton City Council ultimately faces the backstop process (where cabinet makes the final decision) after choosing not to submit a Head Start proposal. Despite not submitting their own proposal, Hamilton City Council have been included in other Councils’ proposals:
- Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki and Matamata-Piako District Councils want to form a single unitary authority.
- South Waikato, Waipa and Waikato District want a western Waikato ‘river to the sea’ authority which includes Hamilton City and Taupō. The first three have formally proposed this, with the latter two councils going into Back Stop.
- Waitomo District Council and Ōtorohanga District Council have agreed to submit a plan together.
In the Bay of Plenty, the mayors discussed creating three new subregional unitary authorities. Although the Western Bay of Plenty District Council have opted not to participate and will face the backstop process:
- Eastern Bay Unitary Authority: Whakatane, Kawerau and Opotiki District Councils.
- Western Bay Unitary Authority: Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty.
- Rotorua Unitary Authority: Rotorua have not submitted a proposal and will also go to backstop.
Wellington
In Wellington, two conflicting proposals were submitted, with both Kapiti and Upper Hutt choosing to go to Backstop, not endorsing either option:
- Proposal one: for one regional authority to be established over all eight councils. Wellington, Hutt City, Porirua and South Wairarapa supported this; four councils didn’t.
- Proposal two: Masterton and Carterton voted for a pan-Wairarapa council – three council Wairarapa plan (including South Wairarapa, who didn’t support).
South Island
South Island has been a bit of a mixed bag. Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger wanted a greater Christchurch metro option that included Rangiora, Rolleston and other towns, but failed to gain a majority of support. In the end, the proposals are:
- Christchurch City Council have submitted to remain as a unitary authority.
- Selwyn District Council have similarly opted to remain as a unitary authority.
- Hurunui District Council and Waimakariri District Council agreed to submit a proposal for a North Canterbury unitary council.
- A proposed South Canterbury council would see Timaru, Mackenzie, Waimate and Waitaki district councils work together on amalgamation. This proposal included Ashburton.
- Ashburton have not participated and will both go to backstop.
- Queenstown Lakes (QLDC) and Dunedin City Council have proposed a twin model for Otago, consisting of an Inland Otago Unitary Authority (QLDC and Central Otago) and Coastal Otago Unitary Authority (DCC, Clutha and Waitaki).
- Central Otago and Clutha district councils have proposed to form a “mountains to sea” authority which would include QLDC.
What’s next?
Cabinet will now consider the proposals put forward against an agreed criteria, including deliverability, support for the new planning system, simplified governance arrangements, economies of scale and effective local representation. Cabinet indicative decisions are expected in September 2026.
Councils will then have a chance to strengthen their outlined proposals by March 2027, with final confirmation expected in May 2027. Legislation is expected in Q3/4 of 2027, and implementation begins in May 2028. Backstop decisions by Cabinet will be expected in October 2028. Whilst the Government has said that Councils will not have a voice through the backstop process, this remains in question, with many councils who haven’t submitted a HeadStart proposal already advocating to the Government on how they should be involved.
Author | Bella Leddy
As a Senior Advocacy Advisor, Bella leads the development of policy and advocacy initiatives that reflect the real-world experience of our members.
With a Bachelor of Laws and Politics from Otago University and previous experience as a policy intern at the Department of Internal Affairs, Bella brings both a sharp analytical mind and a genuine passion for public policy. She’s particularly energised by engaging with members to ensure our advocacy is grounded in industry insight and practical solutions.
Extroverted, thoughtful and service-focused, Bella thrives in roles that connect people and ideas. Outside the office, she channels her energy into teaching group fitness classes – including yoga, pilates and spin – and is always up for a good political yarn.
