The reform was announced on 5 May and called on all councils and local government bodies to develop a voluntary proposal for amalgamation with at least three other councils. This could include taking on existing debts, infrastructure, and priorities to form a larger unitary council by 9 August.
The Government has given councils three months to put forward ideas about how they might work together or merge with others.
If changes go ahead, they could affect things like rates, how you are represented, your community facilities and services, infrastructure investment, and council's identity and priorities.
If councils don’t develop their own proposals, central government may decide what changes happen in our region.
No decisions have been made yet. Your feedback will help councils understand what matters most to you as discussions take place with neighbouring councils.
PNCC
Feedback has now closed. Read a summary of the feedback
All feedback will be considered at the Council meeting on 5 August, where Council will decide its response to the government ahead of the 9 August deadline. We expect there to be further community consultation in future.
More information: What should local government look like in our region? | Palmerston North City Council
Manawatū District Council
At Council on Wednesday 22 July 2026, Manawatū District Council voted unanimously to not submit a proposal through the Government’s ‘Head Start’ local government reform pathway.
Full information: makeyourmark.manawatudc.govt.
Horowhenua District Council
They have closed their community conversation and engagement
www.letskorero.horowhenua.
www.horowhenua.govt.nz/
Tararua District Council
At a Council meeting on 29 July 2026, Council unanimously decided not to put forward an amalgamation proposal through Central Government's "Head Start" process.
More information: www.tararuadc.govt.nz/
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