Western Bay of Plenty District Council will be talking with its communities in the coming weeks about changes signalled by central government on the future of local government.
The Government has recently announced a new ‘Head Start’ pathway for local government reform. Under that framework, councils who choose to submit an outline proposal through the Head Start pathway process must do so by 9 August.
The reform signals a move toward fewer, larger councils, including the creation of unitary authorities that would combine regional and local council responsibilities.
Western Bay Mayor, James Denyer says the issue goes to the heart of how the District has grown, been represented, and made decisions for more than three decades.
“Since local government reforms in 1989, the Western Bay has worked hard to build a council that reflects the distinct needs of our communities – from Katikati and Waihī Beach, through our rural heartland, to Te Puke and Maketū,” he said.
“That’s why it would be untenable to make decisions on an issue this fundamental without first having a proper conversation with the people we’re here to serve.”
The upcoming community conversations are not a vote or a referendum and will not bind a final outcome, but are an important way for Council to understand community priorities as wider changes unfold, the Mayor said.
“The future shape of local government will ultimately be determined by central government, but our responsibility is to make sure the voice of Western Bay is clearly heard and understood before those decisions are made.”
“We won’t sit back and do nothing. We want to front-foot this conversation, test our thinking, and invite challenge where it’s needed.”
Mayor James says the Western Bay’s mix of rural and urban communities, strong primary industries, and growth pressures mean the District is very different from cities.
“We’re made up of many distinct communities, each with their own needs, priorities and ways of life. That local context matters, and it needs to be part of any discussion about how local government could look in the future,” he said.
Community conversations will take place from Monday 25 May to Sunday 14 June, with information shared through Council’s Your Place Tō wāhi platform, alongside in‑person opportunities for people to take part, and an online webinar featuring Mayor James and Council CEO, Matt Potton.
For more information, visit Central Government’s Head Start pathway – Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
