Simplifying Local Government

To help our decision making, we’d like you to choose whether we start down the Head Start or Backstop pathways. We'd also like you to rank from 1 to 5 which amalgamation option you’d prefer Hurunui District Council to put forward as part of a Head Start proposal.

Please complete the online survey, or you can download a physical copy of the survey to print and return by mail.

Please return your physical copy of the survey to Council Offices in Amberley by Wednesday 22 July. This can be in person or by mail. You can also return your survey to any Hurunui Community Library and Service Centre but please make sure this is done by Monday 20 July.

Potential Amalgamation Options

North Canterbury - BLUE

Waimakariri, Hurunui & Kaikōura. It’s a cohesive geographical space with shared history. Not reliant on a greater Christchurch model, but on population basis, the southern end of the region would be dominant.

North/Central Canterbury - YELLOW

Ashburton, Kaikōura & Hurunui + Banks Peninsula and the approximate remainder of Waimakariri and & Selwyn (Excluding Urban Centres). Reliant on the creation of a large urban unitary authority based on the greater Christchurch model. This makeup however is not a given, as it would require agreement for both Selwyn and Waimakariri to cede territory to Christchurch City.

Rural Canterbury - GREEN

Kaikōura, Hurunui, Ashburton, Timaru, Mackenzie, Waimate & Waitaki + Banks Peninsula and remainder of Waimakariri and Selwyn (Excl Urban). Also reliant on the creation of a large urban unitary based on the greater Christchurch model. It would represent an extremely powerful rural voice nationally but would require complex design to ensure community voice was heard.

North-East South Island - PINK

Marlborough, Kaikōura & Hurunui. Viable on scale and has the benefit of partnering with an already established Unitary Authority but does not provide the continuity of shared history as well as the Canterbury options do. This model also crosses a takiwā boundary and as such is unlikely to find favour with Ngāi Tahu.

West-Central South Island - ORANGE

Westland, Grey, Buller & Hurunui. This is a less favourable option based on the financial numbers, however it would result in a balance of voices around the table based on population.

For some greater detail on the potential options for amalgamation please visit

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/2b12849093594e40aca5de8fff166403

What's been announced?

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?

Change may happen, but how it happens should reflect our community and district. As your local council, we are asking you what should be protected, improved, or avoided.

No decisions have yet been made. We are currently assessing whether to participate in the Head Start pathway, which is optional. By taking part, we have more control over the changes that will take place in 2028.

If we choose not to take part, it will follow the Backstop pathway in 2027 which runs the risk of our own destiny not being in our hands.

We are currently exploring potential partner councils, and identifying what must be protected locally.

What matters most for Hurunui?

Local representation and a rural voice?
Affordability and cost transparency?
Service quality and reliability?
Environmental and catchment outcomes?
Treaty partnership?

What are your thoughts?

When is the proposal due to the government?

By August 9 this year, outline proposals from councils (including Hurunui District Council) for new unitary authorities are due, and final policy decisions on detailed proposals will be established early next year.

Wider reform of local government will commence after the 2028 local elections.