Simplifying local government
The Government is proposing changes to simplify how local government works across New Zealand.
This is one of the most significant potential changes to local government in decades and could shape how councils operate in the future.
We are working through what this might mean for our District. No decisions have been made.
What has the Government announced?
The Government has announced it wants fewer local authorities across New Zealand and is asking local and regional councils to consider the amalgamation of district councils and regional councils into unitary authorities.
These unitary authorities would combine the functions of local councils with those from regional councils, such as Northland Regional Council.
The Government has stated its preference for one unitary authority per region, however there are allowances for regions that are large or have more complex issues.
The Government is giving councils a three-month window to propose the new arrangements themselves under the Head Start pathway and has stated, if councils cannot do this, the Government itself will propose amalgamations under a Back Stop approach.
Whether councils use the Head Start pathway or the Back Stop process, approval will be required from Government before any work starts on the amalgamation of district and regional councils.
Head Start
The voluntary Head Start pathway provides councils with an early opportunity to propose their own arrangements for regional reorganisation into unitary authorities.
There are a few conditions attached – two or more councils are required to work together on the proposal, and the proposal can incorporate other councils, whether they agree with the proposal or not.
Read more about the Head Start pathway (dia.govt.nz)
Back Stop
For regions that are not part of the Head Start pathway, district and city councils will continue through to the 2028 elections.
The Back Stop process involves the Government amalgamating existing councils into unitary authorities after the 2028 Local Elections. This process will be developed by the Government in 2027.
Have your say
Whangārei residents have the opportunity to provide early feedback through an online survey.
Have your say on local government reform
Feedback closes at 5:00pm on Wednesday 24 June 2026.
FAQs
What is a unitary authority?
A unitary authority is a single council that combines the responsibilities of regional, and city or district councils.
What did the Government decide about regional councils?
Current regional council governance arrangements will remain in place until October 2028. Future changes will not include regional councillors and may result in new local government structures such as unitary authorities.
The Government confirmed that key regional council functions, including flood protection, environmental management, biosecurity and public transport, will remain with local government.
Has Whangarei District Council made any decisions?
On June 11, 2026 Whangarei District Council agreed to progress the next stage of local government reform in Northland, confirming its participation in the Government’s voluntary Head Start pathway and advancing work on future governance options for the region.
A decision was made to analyse two possible models:
- One Northland-wide unitary authority, combining all regional and district council functions into a single organisation.
- Two sub-regional unitary authorities, each delivering local and regional functions within their areas. Options could include a Far North unitary authority and a combined Kaipara and Whangārei unitary authority; or a Whangārei unitary authority and a combined Far North and Kaipara unitary authority. In both cases, the functions of Northland Regional Council would be incorporated as appropriate.
When will these changes happen?
Whichever pathway is chosen, the Government will have the final say.
The legislation to support these changes is proposed to be introduced by the Government in 2027, and implementation would begin in 2028 in the lead-up to the next local elections.
What could the new unitary authority look like?
It's hard to say based on limited information available, but possibilities could include:
- regional grouping into one unitary authority
- multiple unitary authorities for large / complex regions
- councils retaining their boundaries, but incorporating regional functions or sharing services.
More information
View the Government's proposal (dia.govt.nz)