The survey, which was conducted by an independent research company, drew responses from 1,338 Tauranga residents and ran from 15 June – 1 July 2026. It was undertaken in response to the Government's Simplifying Local Government programme, which is prompting councils across New Zealand to consider how local government could be structured in the future.
The Government has given councils until 9 August to put forward a high-level proposal as part of its ‘Head Start’ pathway.
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale acknowledges the timeframe for the process is tight and thanks everyone who took part in the survey, which will help inform discussions and decisions leading up to the 9 August deadline.
“The survey results show strong support for change, with over 79% of people saying they would prefer us to work alongside neighbouring councils to help design that future, rather than have change imposed by central government,” says Mayor Mahé.
“The survey also found most people support reducing the number of councils across the region and would support a larger single council serving the wider Bay of Plenty if it delivers more efficient services, simpler governance and better value for ratepayers,” he says.
The survey also highlighted support for Tauranga City Council working more closely with neighbouring councils, particularly Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
"Our communities across the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region are closely connected, with people crossing council boundaries every day for work, education, recreation and essential services. Many residents already see Tauranga and the Western Bay as one community, which I think is reflected in these survey results," says Mayor Mahé.
Key findings from survey results:
- Over 79% of respondents want Tauranga City Council to shape the region's future with neighbouring councils, rather than have change imposed by the Government
- Over 78% support reducing the number of councils through merging
- Over 85% supported the creation of a larger, single council to represent and provide council functions to the wider Bay of Plenty area, if it resulted in service delivery efficiencies, simpler governance, and financial savings for the ratepayer
- Over 54% identified Western Bay of Plenty District Council as their preferred merger partner, with Whakatāne District Council the next preferred option.
- When it comes to priorities for any future local government structure, three top themes emerged: keeping rates low, efficient delivery of council functions and services, and efficient delivery of infrastructure.
Mayor Mahé says the feedback provides valuable direction as discussions continue with neighbouring councils about how local government could be structured across the Bay of Plenty in the future.
"This isn't about one council taking over another. It's about working together to design something new that delivers better outcomes for our communities. We know people want better value for money and better regional coordination, and those principles will continue to guide our discussions."
Tauranga City Council will continue discussions over the coming weeks with a view to developing potential options and deciding whether to put forward a proposal ahead of the Government's 9 August Head Start deadline.
Mayor Mahé says while the proposal must be submitted by then, it will still need Government approval, and councils will then have until March 2027 to further refine any proposal into a full plan, which would take effect after the 2028 local body elections.
"We'll continue to keep our communities informed as this work progresses and how they can stay involved. These are important decisions that will shape how local government is structured and operates across our region for decades to come.
“Thank you to those people who have provided input to date, and we look forward to receiving further input in the coming months as we progress our thinking and decisions.”
Full survey results (2.5mb pdf)