UPDATE:  7 August 2026

Earlier this week Hurunui District Council voted to work in partnership with Waimakariri in creating a new North Canterbury Council under the Head Start pathway.

Community feedback from over 1,250 Hurunui residents in a recent sentiment survey supported this decision, with:

• 97% of respondents indicating they would like Hurunui to be part of the Head Start process.
• 84% ranking a North Canterbury unitary as a first-choice amalgamation option.

Hurunui District Council Mayor Marie Black said of the decision “As our communities grow and evolve, we welcome the opportunity to shape a future governance model that reflects who we are, what we value, and how we want to serve future generations.”

Waimakariri District Council endorsed the North Canterbury Unitary proposal on Wednesday 6 August, with the feedback from both councils reflecting the desirability of the North Canterbury option and the proposal meeting the criteria of the government reform.

Councils across the country have until Sunday 9 August to lodge their proposals.

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5 August 2026

Waimakariri District Council has voted to work in partnership with Hurunui District Council to create a new North Canterbury council.

Councillors unanimously voted in favour of the proposal to establish a new North Canterbury council under the Head Start pathway which would take on both district and regional responsibilities.

You can read the agenda and proposal document here.

The Government is undertaking a fast-tracked amalgamation of local government, through a proposal called Head Start, and councils across the country have until 9 August to lodge amalgamation proposals or face having plans imposed upon them.

Hurunui District Council is expected to consider the joint North Canterbury Proposal on Thursday 6 August.

“This proposal has been jointly developed by Waimakariri and Hurunui district councils, with technical support from Ernst & Young (EY), to create a North Canterbury Council that reflects the needs and aspirations of our communities,” says Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon.

“The proposal is informed by public consultation undertaken across both districts, which showed a strong shared North Canterbury identity and a clear preference for a North Canterbury Council.”

Community feedback from almost 2,000 Waimakariri residents showed strong support and endorsement for this model:

• 91.3% identified Waimakariri as part of the wider North Canterbury community, compared with 8.7% who identified more closely with Greater Christchurch
• A North Canterbury unitary council (Waimakariri, Hurunui and potentially Kaikōura) was the preferred amalgamation model, receiving 54.2% of first-preference votes
• Written submissions showed strong support for local representation and decision-making, with respondents emphasising the importance of retaining North Canterbury's identity and ensuring rural communities continue to have a strong voice.

“This proposal we are submitting is the result of extensive analysis, high level economic and financial modelling, catchment management, and engagement with our communities.

“While there is a process and many steps to work through, this is an important step that puts Waimakariri in a position to help shape our future.

“Our districts already work together closely – we share services and provide to support to one another already. This model offers a practical, evidence-based pathway for a North Canterbury Council that can deliver strong local representation while taking on regional responsibilities.”

Central Government is anticipated to make decisions on whether they support proposals in September.