The Government is progressing changes to local government across New Zealand. The goal is to be more efficient so lots of small councils aren't doing the same work right next door to each other.

Councils can choose to join the Head Start or the Backstop pathway.

• Head Start lets groups of two or more councils to work together and submit proposals to reorganise into new unitary authorities.
• Backstop means councils don't make a proposal and the government will decide for them in 2028.

If we decide to take part in Head Start, our proposal needs to be submitted by 9 August. In both pathways, the Government gets final say on the new authorities, including which councils join them.

What's a Unitary Authority?

A unitary authority is a single council that does the work of local and regional councils. This means one organisation looks after everything from local services like roads, rubbish collection, and community facilities, through to regional responsibilities like environmental management, public transport, and flood protection.

What happens next?

We don't have long to create our plan, and we need to know what matters most to our community.

• Fill out the survey below.
• Your feedback will go to your elected members (EMs).
• EMs will work with other councils on a proposal.
• The proposal will be submitted to the government by 9 August.

Get more information on the proposed reforms.

If you want to get updates about this topic, click the follow button.

All submissions will be made available to the public via the Masterton District Council website. Your name, organisation (if applicable) and feedback will be included in public documents. All other personal details will remain private. If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact us prior to the submission closure date to request that your name be withheld.

The Privacy Act 2020 applies when we collect personal details. Further information is available by in our privacy policy on our website.

Information on our submissions process and minimum requirements for submissions content can be found Submission Policy on our website.