The Government has recently announced major reforms that will reshape how councils operate.
These include a complete overhaul of the Resource Management system, a new approach to rates
capping and proposals to simplify local government structures.

Together, these represent the most significant changes the sector has seen in decades.

The implications for our council are real. Rates capping and the Systems Improvements Bill will
tighten finances, reduce flexibility, and require us to focus even more closely on what services we
deliver and on delivering them efficiently.

This is a challenge, but also an opportunity to operate smarter, make better use of resources and ensure every dollar delivers maximum value to our communities.

The changes to the RMA are also significant. The move to combined regional plans will shift
much planning and decision making to regional structures. For smaller districts, this could reduce
direct influence over land use, planning priorities and environmental outcomes. At the same time,
the transition will require substantial work as existing plans are replaced with the new system.

There will be opportunities for people wanting to build and develop, with more permissive rules
making it easier and less costly to get things done. There have also been some proposals about
potential structural change in local government.

Although most of the discussion has been around regional councils, the impacts on councils like
ours could be significant as it will require the development of a regional reorganisation plan.
These will require councils to work much more closely with each other or even choose to
amalgamate.

On this I want to be very clear that local voice will be a key priority for me in any
conversations about the future shape of local government. I’m not convinced that political
amalgamation would serve our district well, and I will fight hard to protect the ability of our
communities to influence the decisions that affect them.

What I do strongly support is the smarter use of shared services. Pooling expertise and resources
where it makes sense can reduce costs, strengthen capability and allow us to continue delivering
high-quality services locally. This approach keeps decision making close to the community
while helping the Tararua District operate more efficiently and delivering better value for money.
While these reforms bring undeniable challenges, they also present opportunities.

By working hard now and positioning ourselves strategically, the Tararua District can take advantage of new initiatives, improve efficiency, and deliver better outcomes for our communities. With careful planning and innovation, we can strengthen our long-term resilience.

As these reforms progress, we will be advocating strongly for the Tararua District. Our communities have unique strengths and challenges, and national reforms must reflect the realities of smaller rural  councils. With determination, collaboration and a clear focus on local needs, I am confident we can navigate these changes successfully.

Ngā mihi nui, many thanks