Western Bay of Plenty Mayor, James Denyer says the Government’s decision to delay decisions on Head Start proposals has created an extended period of uncertainty for communities and councils.
The Government has announced it will not make decisions on individual Head Start proposals at this stage, choosing instead to undertake further work on several common issues identified across proposals before Cabinet considers next steps in early 2027.
“What we were hoping for was clarity,” said Mayor Denyer (pictured).
“Instead, communities and councils have been left in limbo about what comes next.
“We have major decisions to make about the future of services, infrastructure and local government in our region, and greater certainty from Government would help councils plan with confidence.”
In August, the Council voted not to submit its own Head Start proposal. However, the District was subsequently included in a wider Bay of Plenty proposal submitted by Tauranga City Council and Rotorua Lakes Council.
If approved by Government, the proposal could see Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council replaced by a new unitary council responsible for both local and regional council functions across the Western Bay sub-region.
While Council will be seeking greater certainty and next steps as soon as possible, its focus remains on delivering the services, infrastructure and community outcomes residents expect, said Mayor Denyer.
“Regardless of what future decisions are made, our communities still need roads maintained, wastewater treated, parks looked after, consents processed and local issues addressed. That work doesn’t stop,” he said.
In announcing the deferral, the Government identified governance structures, representation arrangements and regional functions as key areas requiring further work before decisions are made.
Mayor Denyer says these are largely the same issues councils have been discussing and making progress on throughout the Head Start process.
What the Council is seeking now is greater clarity around how those issues will be worked through, what solutions are being considered, and who will ultimately be making those decisions, the Mayor said.
“Council’s work on the Head Start process to date has helped confirm many of the community’s priorities when it comes to any future local government reform – including, the importance of strong local representation and voice, the desire not to take on other councils’ debt, and ensuring rates and services deliver value for local people.”
“Those priorities don’t change because Government’s decision has been delayed.
“We’ll keep these at the core of our thinking as we continue working constructively with neighbouring councils, tangata whenua and our regional partners on the challenges and opportunities facing our wider sub-region,” said Mayor Denyer.
For more information visit: Simplifying Local Government – Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
