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Simplifying Local Government

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Thank you for having your say and playing your part in our Simplifying Local Government survey.

We'll let you know in the coming days what the result of the survey was and the next steps for the Simplifying Local Government process.

In the meantime, we encourage you to read the North Canterbury Head Start Proposal - click the button below.

North Canterbury Head Start Proposal

What's been announced?

  • On 6 August Hurunui District Council voted to work in partnership with Waimakariri District Council to create a new North Canterbury unitary authority as part of its Simplifying Local Government Head Start proposal.

READ THE STORY - https://www.hurunui.govt.nz/council/news?item=id:2...

  • On 5 May 2026, the government announced the Head Start pathway for Simplifying Local Government - a streamlined, voluntary pathway for councils willing and able to reorganise before the wider reform of local government from 2028.
  • https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/councils-invit...

How is local government currently structured?

Most places in New Zealand have two separate councils – a regional council, and a city or district council (sometimes called ‘territorial authorities’). Each have a separate set of elected councillors who look after separate (but often similar) things.

There are 11 regional councils (for example Environment Canterbury) that govern services such as environmental management, regional transport planning and Civil Defence.

There are 67 city or district councils that govern services such as roads, water infrastructure, rubbish collection, libraries, parks, and land use planning. There are 6 ‘unitary authorities’ that combine the two roles.

Why is reform being proposed?

The government says the reason for this proposal is to simplify governance and reduce duplication. These changes will better align to wider reforms such as planning, infrastructure and water. It also says regional decision making will be more aligned across councils, with clear accountability to the public.

What reorganisation is the government proposing for all councils?

The government focus is on structural reform. This means councils can propose new unitary authorities that combine regional and territorial council functions.

Proposals for new unitary authorities do not need to cover an entire region. They may also involve neighbouring territorial authorities from different regions.

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.

What does this mean for Hurunui?

We have decided to participate in the Head Start pathway, by proposing a North Canterbury Unitary Authority with Waimakariri. By taking part, we have more control over the changes that will take place in 2028.

If we chose not to take part, it would put us in to the Backstop pathway, which runs the risk of our own destiny not being in our hands.

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