The proposed changes are being driven by central government, under its ‘Simplifying Local Government’ programme, with the aim of simplifying how councils are structured and governed and reducing the number of councils nationwide.
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the Government has made it clear that change is coming, and it’s important the people of Tauranga have the opportunity to help guide what that could like.
“The message from the Government is clear: we can either help shape the future of local government ourselves, or have it shaped for us,” says Mahé.
He says the topic was part of last month’s ‘Engaging with our People’ sessions and continues to be discussed with the community, with people soon able to share what matters most to them through an online survey that will be open from Monday.
“We want to understand what’s important to people when it comes to the functions and services of councils - whether that’s local representation, how decisions are made, how services are delivered, or cost-efficient local government.
“These views will help guide the decisions ahead, so I encourage everyone to take part.”
Mahé says the Council continues to work with neighbouring councils to explore what future local government arrangements could look like, while keeping an open mind and ensuring any proposal meets Government criteria.
“We know there are things that work well, and things that could work better. This is a chance to step back, look at the bigger picture, and make sure the system is set up to deliver the best outcomes for our communities.”
Councils that want to be part of the Government’s ‘Head Start’ pathway, which forms part of the Simplifying Local Government programme, have until 9 August 2026 to submit a high-level proposal.
These proposals will require Government approval, and councils will then have until March 2027 to further refine any proposal into a full plan, which would not take effect until after the 2028 local elections. If councils do not submit a proposal, a standardised, compulsory reorganisation process will happen after that.
Change is coming, should we lead it, or have it done to us? We look forward to hearing your views.
More information is available on the Tauranga City Council website, and people are encouraged to share their views when the survey opens on Monday.