Ngāi Tahu proposes replacing South Island councils with five new entities

Thursday 13 August 2026 · 4 outlets · 2 reports · updated Thu 13 Aug, 6:50pm

In this story NZME, Ngāi Tahu

Ngāi Tahu has submitted a proposal to replace the 24 existing South Island councils with five larger ones. The iwi's plan suggests aligning new council boundaries with major river catchments. This Head Start proposal follows a government requirement for councils to submit amalgamation plans.

How they headlined it

4h

3:13pm6:50pm

1. The Post via The PressThu 13 Aug, 3:13pm

   Ngāi Tahu proposes five councils for Te Waipounamu/South Island (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldThu 13 Aug, 6:50pm

   Ngāi Tahu unveils South Island council boundary plan (opens in new tab)

   Also on 1News (opens in new tab)