The following is a joint statement from Mayor Scott Gilmore, Tararua District Council and Mayor Michael Ford, Manawatū District Council.

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With all councils across the Horizons Region now having considered their response to the Government's local government reform process, the conversation about the future of local government in our region is entering an important new phase.

Across the region, councils have reached different conclusions about the best way forward. We respect that each council has the right to determine the governance arrangements it believes are best for its own community. Equally, we believe every community deserves the same opportunity to determine its own future.

Palmerston North City Council and Horowhenua District Council have advised they will jointly write to the Minister for Local Government outlining their preferred governance model. While that is their decision to make, their proposal also identifies Manawatū District and Tararua District as part of that preferred future arrangement.

Manawatū District Council and Tararua District Council are disappointed by that decision.

Our concern is not that neighbouring councils have chosen a different path. Throughout this process we have respected the right of every council to determine its own future. Our concern is that when Palmerston North identified our districts in their preferred proposal, our communities now face the possibility of being drawn into the next stage of the Government's reform process without having chosen that pathway themselves.

Both of our councils have already undertaken our own decision-making processes. In Manawatū, that included extensive community engagement, with more than 740 submissions and 409 for Tararua helping to inform Council's decision and we believe those locally made decisions deserve to be respected.

Mayor Michael Ford said the issue was about respecting local democracy, not opposing reform.

"This isn't about saying no to reform. Local government needs to change, and we're ready to be part of that conversation. But lasting reform must be built with willing partners, not by including communities that have already determined a different path."

Both councils recognise the financial, infrastructure and regulatory challenges facing local government and agree that reform is necessary. We remain committed to exploring governance models that strengthen regional collaboration while retaining strong local representation, local decision-making and local accountability. We believe there is more than one way to achieve these outcomes and that all credible options deserve fair consideration.

Mayor Scott Gilmore said maintaining strong regional relationships remained just as important as protecting local choice.

"Respect for local democracy has to work both ways. Every council has the right to advocate for its preferred future, but communities should have a say in their own future before being included in another council’s proposal.

"That doesn't change our commitment to working with our neighbours, but that will first take place with the 6 Councils who have resolved to sign a joint Memorandum of Understanding to work regionally, while leaving the door open to Palmerston North and Horowhenua.”

The five councils signing the joint Memorandum of Understanding include Manawatū District, Rangitīkei District, Ruapehu District, Tararua District, Whanganui District.

Our communities expect us to work together on the issues we share, and we will continue to do exactly that while standing up for Tararua District's right to determine its own future."

As the Government considers the proposals it receives, Manawatū District Council and Tararua District Council remain committed to engaging constructively with neighbouring councils, central government and their communities.

We will continue advocating for a regional approach that delivers better outcomes for our communities, respects local democratic decision-making, and strengthens the relationships that our region depends on.