Northland’s four councils have taken another significant step in the region’s local government restructure, with each considering the Elected Member Steering Group’s recommendation for a staged transition to a single Northland-wide unitary authority.
Whangarei District Council, Far North District Council and Northland Regional Council voted to progress development of a Head Start Outline Proposal based on the staged transition model. Kaipara District Council voted not to support a Head Start proposal and has asked that Kaipara not be included in one.
The staged transition model would begin with the establishment of two unitary authorities across Northland in 2028. The two unitary authorities would then transition to a single unitary authority at a later date.
The configuration of the two initial unitary authorities, and the timing of the final transition, would be worked through during a detailed design phase later this year, should the Government accept the proposal, the councils said in a joint statement.
Whangarei District Council and Far North District Council both indicated a preference for the same configuration, in which the Far North would stand alone as a unitary authority and Whangarei and Kaipara would come together as the other.
The proposal is now being developed, with a final version returning to the councils in early August for them to decide whether it should be submitted to Government by 9 August.
Mayor of Whangarei and Chair of the Elected Member Steering Group, Ken Couper said community feedback had been clear on what mattered most.
“People want local voices to remain strong and they want to understand how any future changes would benefit their communities. Those discussions will continue as the proposal is developed,” Mayor Couper said.
In the Far North, the meeting opened with passionate deputations from hapū representatives before a lengthy debate among councillors. Far North Mayor Moko Tepania reflected on the legend of Māui and his brothers slowing the sun, asking councillors, “What would Māui do?” He said the story was a metaphor for the need to take more time to get this right.
“We need more time for us to create a system of local government that would be beneficial for the diverse communities that we represent,” Mayor Tepania said.
Northland Regional Council Chair, Pita Tipene said a number of important decisions on governance, representation, service delivery and implementation would need to be worked through as the proposal developed.
“Northlanders care deeply about the future of local government. As this work progresses, local voice must remain at the heart of any future model. While there are still a number of steps to be taken in the reorganisation journey, our job as councillors is to ensure that we deliver the best outcome for Taitokerau,” Chair Tipene said.
Mayor of Kaipara, Jonathan Larsen said Kaipara’s elected members supported continued regional collaboration, but were not convinced the proposed model would deliver better outcomes for the district.
“We think Northland can work more closely together without losing local decision-making. I believe this could be achieved with three unitary councils that share the delivery of regional services,” Mayor Larsen said.
Should a proposal be approved by Government, it would be subject to further analysis, detailed design and public consultation in late 2026 and early 2027, the councils stated.
Visit the Head Start for Simplifying Local Government page for more information about the Head Start pathway.
