FAQs

The current Government has made it clear that regional councils won’t exist after 2028 and, in line with this, it wants to reduce the number of city and district councils across New Zealand. This means that all councils will need to consider reorganisation. This means that all councils will need to consider reorganisation, with Government's current preference to move towards unitary authorities. 

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has not made any decisions. We’re asking for the communities' views on various reorganisation scenarios and priorities to understand what matters most to you about local representation. We want to get a sense of how our communities are feeling about this potential change, with this information informing any future conversations about reorganisation. 

The future shape of local government will ultimately be determined by central government – but our job is to make sure the voice of Western Bay is clearly heard before those decisions are made.  

We know financial analysis will play a big part in considering the merits of the different scenarios. Given central government’s timelines, we haven’t explored these aspects in detail at this stage, but they are important considerations and things we will focus on in any reorganisation scenarios going forward. To understand the financial implications, there needs to be robust work to ensure we have a clear and accurate picture for any reorganisation scenario going forward. 

If Council chooses not to progress through the Head Start pathway, it will be subject to the backstop process. Details on what the backstop process will look like are still being worked through by Government, however it is anticipated that during the transition regional council governance will be undertaken by an interim body after 2028. Government intends that legislation for the backstop process will be enacted before nominations open for the 2028 local elections. This will ensure candidates understand any new roles and responsibilities and electors can vote with clarity.  

Our neighbouring councils include Whakatāne District Council, Rotorua District Council, Tauranga City Council, South Waikato District Council, Matamata-Piako District Council and Hauraki District Council. An inter-regional scenario could be possible in addition to the scenarios set out in this document. This would need to be considered on a case by case basis however with the information currently at hand this would not align with Governments new proposed planning system.

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. 

Right now, it’s business as usual.  Our services within the community, like roading, solid waste and our library and service centres – all remain unchanged. As a first step, we want to hear from you and will endeavour to keep you updated as more information is provided from Government.  

If a new government is elected, the direction of local government reform may change. For now, we will proceed based on the information and direction currently provided. 

A unitary authority is a single council that combines the responsibilities duties and powers of a regional council, combining both local and regional functions within a single organisation. 

A city or district council, responsible for local infrastructure and community services, such as roads, water supply, wastewater, stormwater, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks and local regulatory functions. 

An organisation that is owned or controlled by one or more councils. CCOs are set up to deliver specific services or activities on behalf of councils, often where specialist skills, commercial expertise, or independent governance are useful.