Reform of Local Government

Central Government has given council 3-months to develop and discuss possible amalgamation options for their areas.

For Tararua District, this means early conversations are now underway about what the future of local government could look like for our communities. At this stage, nothing has been decided.

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What does “amalgamation” mean?

Amalgamation means combining councils or changing the way local government is structured and delivered across different areas.

This could involve councils working together under one larger council structure, changing regional boundaries, or exploring other models of local governance.

View current local and regional boundaries

What options could be considered?

At this early stage, all options remain open for discussion. Potential pathways could include:

  1. Prepare for the Backstop Process: We spend the next 3 months getting ready for what comes next.
  2. Go South to Wairarapa: Forming an amalgamated council with Wairarapa councils, and potentially Wellington councils
  3. Go North to Hawke's Bay: Forming an amalgamated council with Hawke’s Bay councils
  4. Go West to Horizons region: Forming an amalgamated council within the Horizons Region
  5. Split the District: Different parts of the Tararua District aligning with different neighbouring areas
  6. Fight for a better option: Push back on forced amalgamation and develop an effective shared services model instead.

These are significant conversations that could affect local representation, decision-making, services, rates, infrastructure, and the future direction of our communities.

Let us know your preference

The “Head Start” process is the Government’s voluntary 3-month window for councils to work together and develop their own proposed amalgamation or local government reform plans to submit to Central Government by 9 August 2026.

This allows councils and communities to have early input into what future local government structures could look like in their area.

The “Backstop” process is the Government’s compulsory reform pathway for councils that do not progress through the Head Start process, are not included in a proposal, or have proposals declined.

Under this approach, Central Government would lead the reform process after the 2028 local elections and determine future council structures and governance arrangements. Exact details of the Backstop process are still being developed by the Government.

Community conversations

We held a series of public meetings across the district, including our coastal communities, to:

  • Share information about the process
  • Hear initial community views
  • Answer questions where possible
  • Begin an open and honest conversation about the future of local government in Tararua

No decisions were made at these meetings. They were an opportunity for the community to be informed, ask questions, and help guide the direction of future discussions. 

Public meetings took place from 18 - 27 May 2026.

More information

You can view the full media release from Mayor Scott Gilmore here - or watch the video below.

You can also follow updates on Council’s social media pages and official communication channels as more information becomes available.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tararuadc
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tararuadistrictcouncil
LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/tararua-district-council
Website: www.tararuadc.govt.nz/consultation