Simplifying Local Government – Getting ready for change

(NOTE: This page will be updated as more information becomes available.)

On May 5, 2026, the New Zealand Government announced the Head Start for Simplifying Local Government - a streamlined, voluntary pathway for councils willing and able to reorganise before the 2028 local body elections.

Head Start allows groups of two or more councils to propose creating new unitary authorities by combining regional and territorial council functions. If councils do not participate in the Head Start initiative, central government will make these decisions on behalf of those councils in the compulsory backstop process, after the 2028 local body elections. The status quo is not an option.

At Mackenzie District Council, we see the Head Start pathway is an opportunity to take greater control of our future, shaping a model that works for our towns, our rural communities, and every place in between. As a community, we have an opportunity to make our voice heard.

This reform is our opportunity to build a local government structure that truly reflects who we are and what we need.

We are actively engaging with neighbouring councils to explore options for a new local government structure that reflects the needs and priorities of our region.

What exactly is Central Government asking of us?

The Head Start pathway is focused on structural reform. It allows groups of two or more councils to propose new unitary authorities that combine regional and territorial council functions, with the goal of simplifying governance and reducing duplication.

Rather than having Combined Territories Boards (CTBs) of mayors, decided by central government, the Head Start pathway gives councils the opportunity to lead this work themselves.

Regional councillors, such as Environment Canterbury (E-Can) elected members, are expected to remain in place until the 2028 local elections, after which they will be replaced by an interim body (for example, a board of mayors, crown commissioners, or a combination of both) until the new territorial structure is put in place.

How long do we have to decide on what we want to do?

The Head Start process requires us to submit an outline proposal to Central Government by 11.59pm on Sunday August 9, 2026.

Will the community be consulted?

We have a short but important window to hear from our communities as part of the Head Start process, and central government expects mayors and councils to provide local leadership through this process.

Mackenzie District Council is committed to making sure voices from our communities shape the outcome. If you have any thoughts you’d like to share, please either email them to feedback@mackenzie.govt.nz or go to our Lets Talk page and complete the form

We need to hear from you by 5.00pm on Sunday June 21, 2026

Central government has said that, if a Head Start proposal is accepted, more community consultation will occur as part of the detailed design phase in 2027.

What happens after August 9, 2026?

Central Government will assess all outline proposals against five criteria:

1. Deliverability: Proposals are realistic and demonstrate how new arrangements can be implemented in a timely manner.
2. Supports the new planning system: Shows clear support for implementing the new plaHnin, nineged help? system – including progress on spatial and natural environment plan development – and avoids or minimises disruption to that work.
3. Simplifies local governance: Proposes more efficient regional governance arrangements, consolidating decision-making and improving alignment between a region’s councils.
4. Economies of scale: Supports regional strategic planning and effective delivery of key regional functions (such as transport and catchment management), and demonstrates responsible and affordable asset management, infrastructure investment, and service delivery
5. Maintains local voice: Demonstrates fair and effective representation for communities of interest and how decisions will be made at the local level, balancing urban and rural interests. If our Head Start Proposal is accepted, when will it be implemented?

Accepted proposals will move into detailed design, with the policy decisions and enabling legislation expected to progress through 2027 and the beginning of 2028.

Implementation begins in May 2028 to be ready ahead of the October 2028 local elections.

Want more information?

Simplifying Local Government - DIA

Councils invited to fast-track local reform - Government media release