Major changes to local government are moving quickly

Councils across New Zealand are being asked to consider significant changes to how local government is structured. This affects how decisions are made, how services are delivered, and how communities are represented — from roads and rubbish, to planning and community services.

Central Government has asked councils to consider creating larger councils that combine the roles of both district and regional councils into one organisation (called a “unitary authority”). Councils have until August 2026 to put forward proposals as part of the Government’s “Head Start” process.

Central Government has set both the direction and a very short timeframe for councils to respond. If councils do not put forward proposals, decisions about our future structure are likely to be made for us through a Government-led “backstop” process. Our role is to respond to that direction and make sure the voice of the Matamata-Piako district is clearly heard.

We value our current local identity and the ability to make decisions close to home. However, our existing structure does not meet the Government’s expectations for the future of local government. Choosing not to engage increases the likelihood that changes will be imposed on our district, rather than being shaped locally by us.

Given the limited timeframe and the Government’s expectation that councils move toward larger, combined structures, we are focusing on two options:

• One Waikato: A single council covering the entire Waikato region
• Eastern Waikato: A smaller unitary authority made up of neighbouring districts with similar rural and provincial characteristics (our preferred option at this stage)

These are the options most likely to meet the Government’s criteria, and reflect where we believe there are neighbouring councils who share similar priorities for the future.

Remaining as we are is not considered a realistic option under the current reform direction.

Our current thinking is that an Eastern Waikato model offers a better balance between efficiency and local representation. This option would bring together councils with similar rural and provincial characteristics and shared river catchments. It fits with how services like waterways and land are managed, and is more likely to retain local voice and community identity than a single large Waikato-wide council.

No decisions have been made. This is an early step in a Government-led process, and our thinking may change as we work through the options.

The Government has asked councils to submit a high-level strategic proposal at this stage. If a proposal is accepted, more detailed work would follow.

We will be sharing more information in coming weeks, including an opportunity for the community to provide feedback before we make any decisions about what to put forward to Government in August.