Government reveals plan to simplify local councils and boost decision-making through new structures
Mayors could replace regional councillors under a new collaborative regional board model
Public consultation on reforms is open now, with final proposal expected by March 2026

The Government has outlined a major shake-up of local government, revealing proposals that could significantly change how councils operate across New Zealand. The aim is to simplify decision-making, reduce duplication, and deliver better results for communities.

“These reforms would deliver the most significant changes to local government since 1989,” RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said.

He said the current system is too complex and not delivering for New Zealanders, with overlapping responsibilities and costly inefficiencies slowing down progress. The changes are intended to align with upcoming reforms to the resource management system, which the Government plans to introduce to Parliament within weeks.

“Our new planning system is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set New Zealand on the path to economic growth that lifts our living standards and protects the environment,” RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said.

As part of the reforms, two major proposals are being put forward:

Proposal 1 – Abolishing Regional Councillors
This change would see elected regional councillors removed and replaced by new Combined Territories Boards (CTBs). These boards would be made up of Mayors from local city and district councils in each region.

“Combined Territories Boards would empower Mayors from the same region to work together to govern their regions through genuine regional collaboration,” Mr Watts said.

He said this would simplify governance by reducing bureaucracy and strengthening accountability. The CTBs would use population-based voting systems to make decisions, ensuring smaller communities still have a voice. A dual-threshold system would apply for decisions on land, water, and catchment issues, requiring both a majority of population-weighted votes and board members.

“We’re also seeking feedback on what role and powers the Crown has on these boards,” Mr Watts added.

Proposal 2 – Locally-led Regional Reorganisation
The second proposal would require the CTBs to lead regional reorganisation planning. Each board would have two years to develop a plan exploring how councils in their region could work better together. Options include sharing services, merging councils, or reallocating responsibilities.

“These plans would assess how councils across a region can best work together to deliver efficient and effective local infrastructure, public services, and regulatory functions,” Mr Watts said.

All plans would be tested against set criteria such as affordability, clear leadership, effective services, and respecting Treaty settlement commitments. Final approval would lie with the Minister of Local Government, not public referenda.

Consultation on both proposals is now open and runs until Friday 20 February 2026. The final version will be confirmed by March so legislation can be drafted.

“This is a once-in-a-generation chance to build a simpler, clearer, and more efficient local government system for New Zealanders,” RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said.

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