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Reforms

Simplifying Local Government Reform

Background

In November 2025, the Government proposed changes intended to simplify local government across New Zealand.

These included replacing regional councillors with a region’s mayors and requiring these mayors to develop plans for the more effective and efficient delivery of council services across a region.

Consultation resulted in more than 1,150 submissions, which generally agreed with the need for reform but raised issues with the specific proposal.

In May 2026 the Government refined its approach to Simplifying Local Government and announced:

  • A streamlined, voluntary Head Start pathway for councils willing and able to reorganise quickly, with outline proposals for new unitary authorities due by 9 August 2026 and detailed proposals due in March 2027. Government officials will assess outline proposals against clear criteria, including deliverability by the 2028 local elections, support for the new planning system, simplified governance, economies of scale and fair and effective local representation.
  • Wider reform after the 2028 local elections for those regions that were not part of the Head Start pathway.  This is known as the Backstop pathway. Regional councillors will be replaced by an interim body until reforms are implemented.

Latest

  • NPDC intends to submit a Head Start proposal and is working with other councils in the region to look for opportunities for regional alignment.
  • An initial public survey has now closed. There will be more opportunities for the community to have its say before a detailed proposal is submitted in March 2027.
  • Follow the Shaping Taranaki’s Future page to keep up to date. 

Page last updated: 02:32pm Mon 29 June 2026

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