New Chief Executive appointed for Whangarei District Council Published on 14 October 2026 Whangarei District Council has appointed Bruce Howse as its new Chief Executive. Category: , Announcements, Media release
Councils submit proposal for Northland's local government future Published on 07 August 2026 An outline proposal for the future of Northland's local government has been submitted to the Government. Whangarei District Council and Far North District Council agreed to submit it at meetings this week, with Northland Regional Council also endorsing it. Category: , Media release
Northland councils complete first round of Head Start decisions Published on 21 July 2026 Last week, Northland's four councils took another significant step in the region’s local government reorganisation, each considering the Elected Member Steering Group's recommendation for a staged transition to a single Northland-wide unitary authority. Category: , Elected council, Media release
Staged path to single Northland council emerges as preferred option Published on 08 July 2026 A steering group of elected members from across all four Northland councils has recommended a preferred option for a new local government structure in the region – a staged transition beginning with two unitary authorities, moving to a single Northland-wide unitary authority over time. Category: , Media release
Council backs ‘by Northland, for Northland’ approach to reform Published on 11 June 2026 We have agreed to progress the next stage of local government reform in Northland, confirming our participation in the Government’s voluntary Head Start pathway and advancing work on future governance options for the region. Category: , Media release
Northland councils welcome Kaipara to regional reform process Published on 28 May 2026 Kaipara District Council will join the Local Government Reform Elected Member Steering Group, confirming its participation in a regional response to local government reforms. Category: , Media release
Northland Waters incorporated as establishment confirmed Published on 22 May 2026 District councillors from Far North, Whangārei and Kaipara have approved key governance and transfer agreements, marking a significant milestone as the Northland Waters establishment programme moves into its next phase. Category: , Media release, Water restrictions and supply
Northland councils welcome pathway to lead local government reform Published on 07 May 2026 Northland councils have acknowledged the Government’s announcement giving regions a three-month window to put forward proposals to simplify and strengthen local government. Category: , Media release
Designation response to February 2023 storm Published on 18 February 2026 The Minister of Emergency Management and Recovery has extended the Cyclone Gabrielle designation under the Building Act 2004 for a period of 12 months. The designation will lapse on 14 February 2027. The designation applies to the 15 properties within the Whangārei District that are subject to red or yellow placards. Category: , Media release