On May 5, the Government announced the Head Start Pathway, giving councils until early August to submit proposals for local government amalgamation within their region. The reform’s intent is to create unitary authorities, which will be responsible for the work a council currently does, and the work of regional councils.

As part of our work to explore options for the reorganisation of Canterbury councils under this reform, we are now asking our community to share their views.

The Council needs to move quickly before August and we’d like your feedback on your priorities, concerns, and the outcomes expected from any potential changes.

Council will consider a range of information, including public feedback, before submitting any proposal to the Government. Proposals under the Head Start Pathway will be assessed by the Government on deliverability, supports the new planning system, simplifies local governance, economies of scale, and maintains local voice.

If councils are unable to provide a suitable proposal via the Head Start process, an interim body will be put in place by Government in 2028 to govern regional functions and facilitate reorganisation.

Legislation to reform local government will be implemented before local body elections in 2028.

Find out more about the Head Start Pathway on the Department of Internal Affairs website.