Wairoa District Council is seeking community feedback on the Central Government proposal to simplify and reform Local Government.

The proposal involves the disestablishment of regional councils, with the interim governance being a collaborative board (CTB) comprising the region's Mayors.

The proposal aims to reduce bureaucracy, lower rates, and streamline regional planning.

The focus is 'back to basics' to stop rapid rate rises and focus on core infrastructure.

Each CTB must develop a regional reorganisation plan to improve regional efficiency.

Options include shared services, joint council-owned companies, or merging territorial authorities.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said the Wairoa District Council wants to hear people's thoughts so it can be prepared early, craft its own direction and lift local communities.

"The biggest feedback I have received is confusion over which Council is responsible for what roles," Mayor Little says.

"We see this proposal as an opportunity to shine the spotlight on Wairoa's uniqueness and our ability to collaborate.

"We want to go to the table with a clear plan endorsed by our communities that signals what is best for Wairoa and our future.

"There are still a lot of unknowns under this proposal, and we need to understand our resources and potential, how they can be managed and clarify the roles and functions going forward.

"Our starting point needs to be looking at the roles and responsibilities of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, and at what's working well and what can be improved.

"This is an opportunity to streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and avoid a division between local and regional approaches.

"We will be out and about in communities discussing this proposal.

"Our Council is developing both individual and regional submissions, which must be submitted by Friday, 20 February 2026."

If you would like to make a submission to Central Government, please email simplifyinglocalgovernment@dia.govt.nz and include any support documents.

We also encourage you to provide feedback/information for our Council submission, please email feedback@wairoadc.govt.nz

10 February 2026

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