Western Bay of Plenty District Council is asking its communities whether it should merge with other councils in the future, following the Government’s recent ‘Head Start’ reform announcement.
Council today released a discussion document that sets out five scenarios of what local government reorganisation could look like for the Western Bay, and is encouraging the community to share their views.
“Change is coming to local government. The current government has made it clear it wants fewer councils, so this is our opportunity to explore what that could mean for Western Bay – and to make sure our community’s voice is part of that conversation,” says Western Bay Mayor, James Denyer.
On 5 May, the Government announced the new ‘Head Start’ pathway for local government reform. The reform signals a move toward fewer, larger councils, including the creation of unitary authorities that would combine regional and local council responsibilities.
Under the framework, councils who choose to submit an outline proposal must do so by 9 August. If approved, Head Start proposals would be in place for the 2028 elections.
Mayor James says there is no single preferred option at this stage.
“We’re keeping an open mind. There are a range of possible scenarios – from staying closer to home, to working with neighbouring councils at a larger scale – and each comes with opportunities and challenges. What matters most is understanding what our communities value,” he says.
Western Bay’s five scenarios are:
- Regional unitary authority – all councils in the Bay of Plenty region (Western Bay, Tauranga City, Rotorua, Kawerau, Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki) reorganise to become one unitary authority that carries out all the functions of both local and regional council.
- Sub-regional unitary authority – Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council reorganise to become one unitary authority that carries out all the functions of both local and regional council, within the existing Western Bay and Tauranga City boundaries.
- Provincial unitary authority – Western Bay of Plenty District Council and other district councils in the existing Bay of Plenty region (Rotorua, Whakatāne, Kawerau, Ōpōtiki, but excluding Tauranga City) reorganise to become one unitary authority that carries out all the functions of both local and regional council.
- District split – the Western Bay is split, with different parts of the District joining different councils. For example, Western Bay could be split into East and West areas based on current known geographic boundaries, and each of these areas could join with their neighbouring councils.
- Western Bay unitary authority – Western Bay of Plenty District Council doesn’t join with any other councils, but takes on the functions of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council that can best be delivered locally. A region-wide Council Controlled Organisation (CCO), jointly owned by other councils in the Bay of Plenty, is formed to take on those functions that are better delivered regionally. Some functions could be delivered at a national level.
While a Western Bay unitary authority does not fit the current Government’s criteria for the Head Start pathway, this option has been included to inform future decision making by Council, said the Mayor.
“Each comes with trade-offs for local voice, representation, cost and how closely decisions reflect local needs,” he said.
“The future shape of local government will ultimately be determined by central government. Regardless of what direction is taken our focus will remain the same – to act in the best interests of our communities and stand up for what matters most to Western Bay.”
Financial analysis will play a big part in considering the merits of the different scenarios but, given the tight deadline, this hasn’t been explored in detail at this stage, said Mayor Denyer.
The community can share their views until midnight, Sunday 14 June. Visit Your Place Western Bay of Plenty for more information and to provide your views via an online survey.
