The Government has decided not to announce decisions on Head Start proposals before the general election. All proposals, including the joint proposal by Hauraki District Council, Matamata-Piako District Council, and Thames-Coromandel District Council, remain on hold until after the election.

The three councils submitted a joint outline proposal in August 2026 for a new Waihou-Piako-Hauraki-Coromandel unitary authority. The Government has now advised that decisions on the next steps for local government reorganisation will be taken after the 2026 general election.

The councils welcome the pause. It means the Government are reflecting on the complexity of local government and how any future reforms will impact communities.

Mayor Ash said one of the frustrations for councils had been trying to hit a moving target.

"One of the frustrations for councils has been trying to hit a moving target. We've spent months responding to the Government's process, with no clarity on what success was meant to look like.

"That said, we'd rather have a pause than a poor decision. The work we've done still has value and we'll continue advocating for an outcome that works for Matamata-Piako. Whatever happens next, our focus remains the same: strong local influence, cost effectiveness, and the best interests of our community."

In a joint statement, the councils said:

"We engaged in good faith and invested significant time, resources, and effort into developing a credible proposal that responded directly to the Government's objectives.

"If the process restarts, that work will give us a strong base and we remain committed to working together to secure the best outcome for our communities.

"We hope all government parties will support local democracy by giving clear positions on local government reforms and the role local councils will play in shaping the future of their districts."

The councils will continue to engage with the Government for the best interests of their communities. All council services, activities, and planning will carry on as usual.

"Our priorities will not change," the joint statement continued. "We will continue to strive for cost-effective, transparent, and responsible local government with clear recognition of local character and voice, and ensuring the needs of our unique environments are recognised."

The three councils will continue to work together and engage with the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport as the Government works through key design issues.

Other mayors involved in the proposal also shared their reaction to the Government's decision.

Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams said:

"This is disappointing news for our district. We put a lot of work into this proposal, and our community gave us valuable feedback. We will keep advocating for our people regardless of what comes next, and we'll keep working with our neighbouring councils on the issues that matter to our region."

Thames-Coromandel Mayor Peter Revell said:

"We are frustrated at the delay but will continue to engage with government in good faith, with the needs of our communities paramount. Our residents can be assured that all our services, activities, and planning will carry on as usual."