The central government’s drive to amalgamate councils could see the Wairoa district lose local democracy, local voice, and local identity.

The Simplifying Local Government Reform could significantly undermine the isolated rural district, with the Wairoa District Council launching a comprehensive engagement campaign to hear from its local people.

Wairoa District Council Elected Members said the Simplifying Local Government Reform requires Wairoa to identify which other councils and/or areas it could merge or amalgamate with.

Options could include:

• Wairoa becoming its own unitary authority and taking over the Wairoa functions of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. Central Government has signalled it is unlikely to support this option.
• Wairoa becoming part of a Hawke’s Bay unitary authority – combining with Hastings District Council, Napier City Council and Central Hawke’s Bay District Council to form a ‘large unitary council’.
• Splitting Hawke's Bay into northern and southern regions with Wairoa partnered with the Napier City Council.
• Wairoa becoming part of the Tairawhiti/Gisborne unitary council.
• These options could involve boundary adjustments and reallocation of HBRC funding.

The Wairoa Council said, “Wairoa has already demonstrated sound financial management and strong leadership as evidenced by its proposed average 2026/27 rates increase of 2.8%.

“This is the lowest average rates increase in Hawke’s Bay. In fact, with works carried over, prospective average rates for Wairoa township residential homes connected to Council services will see a reduction by 0.3%, commercial properties up by 1.5%, forestry down by 1%, and rural up by 0.3%.

“We achieved this lower than forecast increase without reducing the levels of service we provide, and have focused on creating efficiencies while improving outcomes.

“Wairoa District Council also has the lowest debt per capita in Hawke’s Bay, with Wairoa currently sitting on $961 of debt per ratepayer, just below Napier City Council and four times lower than Hastings District Council, and three times lower than Central Hawkes Bay District Council.

“We believe that decisions are more effective and cost-efficient when they are made close to the people affected. While each option has pros and cons, the key is understanding how Wairoa’s identity and local voice can be protected under any future governance arrangement.

“The government’s reform process is very confusing and, in some areas, contradicts itself. The approach includes a voluntary ‘Head Start’ pathway for councils wishing to explore potential reform options for their region. Wairoa faces the decision that, if we do not choose for ourselves, we risk change being forced upon us through the government’s compulsory ‘back stop’ process. We also question the validity of the process, which has been labelled unlawful, unconstitutional, unprincipled, and ad hoc.

“We need to hear what people from across the Wairoa district want for the future Governance of Wairoa. This is a significant challenge and has the potential to compromise local voice, local knowledge and local representation.”

“Please attend one of our community hui or provide feedback via feedback@wairoadc.govt.nz or go to www.consultations.nz/wdc/local-government-reform.”

Local Government Reform Community Hui Schedule

All meetings will begin at 5.30pm and conclude at approximately 7.30pm.

Wairoa: Monday 22 June 2026, War Memorial Hall

Mahia: Tuesday 23 June 2026, Mokotahi Hall

Nuhaka: Wednesday 24 June 2026, Kahungunu Marae

Raupunga: Thursday 25 June 2026, Te Huki Raupunga Marae

Frasertown: Monday 29 June 2026, Pakowhai Marae

Tuai: Tuesday 30 June 2026, Tuai Community Hall

North Clyde: Wednesday 1 July 2026, Takitimu Marae

Ruakituri: Monday 6 July 2026, Ruakituri Community Hall

19 June 2026

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