Council amalgamation proposals

The story so far

Councils across the country are deciding whether to submit amalgamation proposals under a government-mandated reform, with the voluntary Head Start pathway as one route.^{28, 29, 30 Jul; 13 Aug} Ruapehu and Tararua district councils both voted unanimously against Head Start, and Ruapehu plans to develop a backstop amalgamation proposal over the coming years.^{29, 30 Jul} South Waikato, Waipā and Waikato district councils have committed to a proposed Western Unitary Authority that would include Taupō and Hamilton if approved, but Taupō opposes it.^{4, 5, 7 Aug} Eastern Waikato mayors are proposing a Waihou-Piako-Coromandel authority, and Rotorua is likely to pursue a merger with South Waikato after earlier plans collapsed.^{28 Jul; 5 Aug} Christchurch councillors voted 9-8 to reject a Greater Christchurch super city proposal, and Wellington region councils remain divided without a unified position.^{5, 6, 7 Aug}

Latest

Ngāi Tahu has proposed replacing the 24 South Island councils with five larger ones aligned to major river catchments.^{13 Aug} Wellington regional mayors failed to reach a unanimous decision, leaving the region's future with the Government.^{7 Aug}

What's next

The Government will make the final decision on the future of Christchurch's boundaries.^{5 Aug} Taupō District Council has requested an eight-week extension to evaluate the government reform plans.^{7 Aug}

Key moments

1. 29 JulRuapehu votes unanimously against Head Start; will develop backstop amalgamation proposal.
2. 30 JulTararua votes unanimously against submitting an amalgamation proposal through Head Start.
3. 5 AugSouth Waikato, Waipā and Waikato commit to proposed Western Unitary Authority.
4. 5 AugChristchurch councillors vote 9-8 to reject Greater Christchurch super city proposal.
5. 7 AugTaupō rejects inclusion in Western Waikato unitary authority without community consent.
6. 7 AugWellington mayors fail to reach unanimous decision on amalgamation at Lower Hutt forum.
7. 13 AugNgāi Tahu proposes replacing 24 South Island councils with five larger ones.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.