Councils across New Zealand have been given a three-month deadline to consider major structural reform, including potential amalgamations, as part of a Government push to simplify the local government system.

Tararua District Mayor Scott Gilmore says while reform of local government is necessary, the Government’s updated approach risks undermining the very outcomes it is trying to achieve.

“Let’s be clear, local government does need significant reform. The level of duplication across the system is frankly absurd, and we need to find smarter, more efficient ways of delivering for our communities,” says Mayor Gilmore.

“But reform needs to be done well, not rushed.”

Mayor Gilmore says the shift from a two year, locally led process to a three month deadline for proposals represents a significant change in both pace and direction.

“What was originally a considered process to work through options like shared services or structural change has now been compressed into a very tight timeframe, with a clear signal pointing toward large amalgamated unitary authorities.

“That raises real concerns about whether we are being pushed toward amalgamation by default.”

Mayor Gilmore says while amalgamation would be very logical for many districts, it is not a silver bullet.

“Bigger is not always better, and it is certainly not automatically more efficient. There are real opportunities through shared services and stronger collaboration to reduce duplication and lift performance, without stripping away local accountability and local voice.”

“We should be properly testing those options, not bypassing them.”

He also raised concerns about the potential for reform to be imposed on councils.

“The implication that if councils don’t take up the ‘head start’ option, change will be done to them is concerning. There is also a real risk that some councils could effectively force others into amalgamation, without the support of their elected members or their communities.”

Mayor Gilmore said the proposal risks clashing with the principle of localism.

“To be blunt, this approach feels like an affront to localism, which this Government campaigned on. Local voice matters. It is fundamental to good local government, and reform must reflect that, not work against it.”

He said rural communities in particular could be disadvantaged if changes are not carefully considered.

“For districts like Tararua, there is a genuine concern about city dominance in larger structures. Representation, priorities and investment can quickly shift away from smaller communities if the balance is not right.”

Mayor Gilmore also pointed to the legacy of past reforms.

“We’ve been through forced amalgamation before in 1989, and some of those scars are still present 37 years later. That experience should be front of mind as we consider further change.”

He said the timeframe also raises practical concerns around community engagement.

“Three months is simply not enough time to meaningfully work through options, build consensus, and engage with our communities on changes of this scale.”

“These decisions will shape how our communities are represented and served for generations. They need to be well thought through.”

Mayor Gilmore said there are still significant unanswered questions, particularly around how the Government’s ‘backstop’ process would work for councils not involved in the initial proposals.

“Reform matters, and we want to be part of the solution. But getting this right matters more than getting it done quickly.”

“If we rush this, we risk creating a system that looks simpler on paper, but works worse in practice.”

Mayor Gilmore said the Tararua District Council will continue to engage constructively, while advocating strongly for its community.

“We are open to change, we are open to working differently, and we are open to better outcomes.”

“But those outcomes must protect local voice, reflect the realities of rural communities, and stand the test of time.”