Communities that rejected council amalgamation may have it imposed on them anyway

Summarised by Centrist

Communities that declined to submit plans for larger councils now face restructuring directed by central government, including parts of the country where residents overwhelmingly opposed amalgamation.

Sunday marked the deadline for councils to submit a voluntary “Head Start” proposal. Those that did not participate will enter the government-controlled “Back Stop” process.

“Lead your own reform, or we will do it for you,” Resource Management Act Reform Minister Chris Bishop said when the three-month process was announced.

Officials will now assess the submitted proposals, including whether they are realistic and likely to deliver better value for ratepayers.

Approved Head Start plans and government-directed Back Stop arrangements are expected to be finalised in 2027. The new council structures would take effect at the 2028 local elections.

Hamilton’s council voted 12 to three against participating, while Christchurch unanimously agreed to submit a proposal. Wellington and Wairarapa mayors have put forward two possible amalgamation models.

In Manawatū-Whanganui, five councils opted to work together on an alternative reform programme rather than propose an amalgamation.

Manawatū mayor Michael Ford said 86% of the 750 residents who responded to a council survey opposed merging with any neighbouring authority. More than half refused to nominate a preferred partner even if amalgamation were forced upon them.

Ford said rural residents did not want “city people telling them how to run their farms”.

Whanganui mayor Andrew Tripe said councils needed more time to consult their communities and examine the financial implications.

“We’re not going to let the government decide what we’re going to do,” he said.

Editor’s note: Central government has the legal authority to reform local government structures, including by imposing changes where councils decline to agree on a voluntary proposal. Council opposition may shape the process, but does not give local authorities a veto over Parliament’s eventual decisions. 

Read more at RNZ

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