Head Start / Simplifying Local Government

The Government is proposing a voluntary Head Start pathway that allows councils to lead early work on regional reorganisation, rather than immediately replacing regional councillors with Combined Territorial Boards (CTBs) of mayors.

Regional councillors are expected to remain in place until the 2028 local elections, after which an interim governance model (such as a board of mayors or commissioners) may be introduced.

Participating councils will be able to develop locally led reorganisation proposals, with a focus on creating unitary authorities to improve efficiency, strengthen collaboration, and better align regional decision-making.

Councils choosing the Head Start pathway must submit outline proposals within defined timeframes (opening May 2026 and closing August 2026), with further detailed planning progressing through to final Government decisions ahead of 2028.

One of the key drivers for this change is the introduction of a new planning system to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA) , which will significantly reshape the functions currently undertaken by regional councils.

These reforms are expected to result in significant shifts in roles and responsibilities across local government.

The requirement to develop reorganisation proposals is also likely to prompt discussion about shared services, structural change, or potential amalgamation—potentially reshaping how local government is organised and delivered in the future.

This is a significant change from the prior timeline which allowed Combined Territorial Boards (CTBs) composed of Mayors, to work on Regional Reorganisation Plans to improve efficiency, strengthen collaboration across councils, and ensure decisions are made closer to communities. They had two years to submit re-organisation plans to the Minister for Local Government for approval.

Rates capping / Simplifying Local Government Resources:

Waimakariri District Council's View:

On June 3 Council opened for engagement our options for considering as part of the Head Start Pathway.

The framework provides a pathway for councils to proactively consider future local government structures, including potential unitary arrangements or amalgamation proposals. At this stage, no decisions have been made for Waimakariri.

We are now seeking feedback from our community on three potential options:

Option A: Waimakariri as a Unitary Council
This option would see Waimakariri become a standalone unitary council, responsible for both district and regional council functions. It is important to note this is not currently an option under the Head Start framework as proposed. If pursued, it may place the Council within the Government’s “backstop” provisions, where future structure could be determined without local input.

Option B: A North Canterbury Unitary Council
Waimakariri would join with Hurunui and/or Kaikōura to form a single unitary council for North Canterbury, delivering both local and regional council functions.

Option C: A Greater Christchurch Unitary Council
Waimakariri would form part of a larger metropolitan unitary council alongside Christchurch and Selwyn, delivering integrated local and regional governance across the wider urban area.

Our focus throughout this process is to ensure Waimakariri has a strong and informed voice in any future local government arrangements, while protecting the identity, services, and needs of our communities.

Community Engagement

We are encouraging residents to have their say through our Let’s Talk page, where full information on the options is available.

We have also directly written ratepayers, and they will be receiving information via email and post over the coming days.

In addition, we are hosting a series of drop-in sessions where residents can speak directly with elected members and staff, ask questions, and learn more:

  • Council Chambers, Rangiora – 24 June, 6.00–8.00pm
  • Ruataniwha Centre, Kaiapoi – 30 June, 6.00–8.00pm
  • Oxford Jaycee Hall, Oxford – 1 July, 6.00–8.00pm

Consultation closes on 5 July.

Full submission on Simplifying Local Government

Our February 20, 2026 submission talks in further detail about our Council's concerns with this proposal and the likely results of such a policy or proposal on Waimakariri.

Click here

Next steps

Whichever pathway is chosen, the Government will have the final say. The legislation to support these changes is proposed to be introduced by Government in 2027, and implementation would begin in 2028 in the leadup to the next local elections.

Last reviewed date: 03 Jun 2026