Head Start Pathway Simplifying Local Government
How Hauraki District is governed matters to all of us
The roads that connect our rural communities, the water that comes out of our taps, the libraries and pools our families use, the plans that shape what gets built in our towns, are public structures that are built over generations. They belong to all of us, and how they're planned, funded, and managed depends on how local government is organised.
Central government has asked councils to put forward their own preferred shape for a local government by 9 August 2026. Councils that choose to submit a proposal can shape how that change happens. We want to hear from our community before we decide what to put forward. Councils that don't put forward a proposal will be part of a re-organisation that will be determined by Central Government instead.
Read through our options and complete the survey below by 17 July 2026 |
What you value matters
For over 35-years, this community has shaped what local government does here. You’ve told us that having a say in local decisions is important to you and so is supporting the local economy and our people. We know you love the great outdoors and want to protect our natural taonga (treasures). We’re grass roots; we value our sports fields and community facilities, and we want to protect our unique culture and heritage. We know that keeping rates affordable matters to everyone. Whatever form local government takes in the future, we want our community to continue having a say in the things that matter to them.
What we know
Central government has signalled that regional councils will be replaced after 2028, and that it wants fewer city and district councils across New Zealand. Councils have a short window to put forward their own preferred proposal before those decisions are made for them.
What we don't know
The financial implications of each scenario remain unclear at this stage. We can't give you firm numbers yet. They will be worked through on any preferred proposal.
The future shape of local government will ultimately be determined by central government. Our job is to make sure the voice of the Hauraki district is clearly heard before those decisions are made.
Some scenarios
We’ve listed what we believe are the three most viable scenarios for a future Local Government Organisation below. We’ve also noted the high-level pros and cons of each based on the Government’s criteria. If we have a preferred scenario for a future structure, we need to submit this in a ‘Head Start’ proposal to the Government by 9 August this year.
Your feedback will help us decide whether we put forward a preferred scenario to government.
Central government will ultimately decide the future shape of local government - but we want to make sure central government hears clearly from the people of the Hauraki district before those decisions are made.
Councils invited to fast-track local reform | Beehive.govt.nz
Scenario 1: An Eastern Waikato unitary authority
Under this scenario, Hauraki District would merge with Matamata-Piako, South Waikato, and Thames-Coromandel Districts.
Potential Opportunities
One Council would replace two separate layers of local government, and four Territorial Authorities potentially making decisions simpler and clearer. The boundaries largely follow the Waihou, Piako, Waitakaruru, Kauaeranga River and various Coromandel Range catchments, so river catchments can be planned for and managed together. The combined population is large enough to benefit from economies of scale. We already work closely with these councils to deliver various services.
We all identify as part of the Waikato Region.
The Council can focus on rural and provincial matters.
A Council at this scale can support the economies of the towns.
Potential Challenges
We will need to ensure governance arrangements give local communities a real voice. It will be easier at this scale than a Waikato-wide option.
It’s a long drive from one end of this sub-region to the other. We will need to enable elected members to still participate fairly in council meetings etc.
Scenario 2: A provincial unitary authority
Under this scenario Hauraki District would merge with the Matamata-Piako, South Waikato, Thames-Coromandel, Taupō, Waipā, Ōtorohanga and Waitomo Districts. It would not include Hamilton City or Waikato District.
Potential Opportunities
One council would replace two separate layers of local government and eight Territorial Authorities, potentially, making decisions simpler and clearer.
Provincial interests can remain a focus, though Waipā faces significantly more growth pressures than the other areas.
A larger combined area could deliver economies of scale, though we can’t provide financial analysis at this stage.
We share a water services entity with most of these districts.
Potential Challenges
A wider geographic area and larger population may make it harder for local communities to have a real voice in decisions.
The boundaries don’t follow the Waikato River catchments.
Waipā is in an existing sub-regional growth planning partnership with Hamiton City and Waikato District.
Centralising workforces could reduce economic activity in our rural towns.
It’s a long drive from one end of this sub-region to the other. We will need to enable elected members to still participate fairly in council meetings etc.
The new proposed planning system, which centres on a regional spatial plan will require cross-collaboration.
Scenario 3: A Waikato wide unitary authority
Under this option, all Councils in the Waikato region would form a single unitary authority delivering both local and regional functions. It would include Hauraki District merging with the Matamata-Piako, South Waikato, Thames-Coromandel, Taupō, Waipā, Ōtorohanga, Waitomo and Waikato Districts, and Hamilton City.
Potential Opportunities
One council would replace two separate layers of local government and ten Territorial Authorities, potentially simplifying how decisions get made.
Planning across the whole region could improve efficiency and support regional shared services, though we can’t provide any financial analysis at this stage.
The structure supports the new proposed planning system, which centres on a regional spatial plan.
Potential Challenges
With such a large population and geographic area, giving local communities a real voice in decisions will be harder.
Decisions may become less responsive to local issues and priorities.
The area covers many river catchments and partners to engage with.
City priorities and challenges can be very different from those facing provincial and rural challenges.
The boundaries don’t align with the existing geographic boundaries of the joint Waikato Waters Limited.
Centralising workforces could reduce economic activity in our rural towns.
It’s a long drive from one end of this sub-region to the other. We will need to enable elected members to still participate fairly in council meetings etc.
Option 4: Do nothing
There is also the option to do nothing, however central government will then likely tell us to merge with at least one other council as we do not have a big enough population to affordably deliver both local and regional council functions. We would rather front foot the conversation by telling Government our preferred proposal for merging with others.
Who's Listening
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Executive Leadership Team & Councillors
Phone 0800734834