US Edition‘Serious Shake-up’ of Local Government that Could End Regional Councils as We Know Them
The proposed Combined Territories Boards would replace 11 regional councils to improve efficiency and accountability, with public consultation required on reorganisation plans.
- Local Government Minister Simon Watts and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop announced on Tuesday at 5pm a proposal for mayors of city and district councils to form 11 Combined Territories Boards, with consultation open until Feb 20 and legislation expected by 2027.
- The government frames the Resource Management Act replacement as a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' to reset local government, with Luxon signaling a 'very serious shake-up' and Jones questioning regional councils' purpose, according to the discussion document.
- A discussion document proposed CTBs draft a region-wide spatial plan and national environment plan chapter, produce RRPs within two years for ministerial assessment, with public consultation and three Crown Commissioner options: observer, veto or majority.
- Mayors would replace regional councillors who represent Māori and general rolls, the RRPs could increase unitary authorities, and officials expect "downward pressure" on rates while Treaty of Waitangi settlement obligations continue.
- Regional boundaries will initially remain unchanged, with consultation open until February 20, and details released at 5pm to avoid spooking markets, according to ministers.
8 Articles
8 Articles
PM promises “serious shakeup” of local govt to make it “simpler and easier”
Report from RNZ The coalition government is next week expected to announce a major shake-up of local government, which could include the potential abolition of regional councils. A “shake-up” is imminent, as the government works to introduce its Resource Management Act replacement to Parliament before Christmas. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told National Party members on […]
Government plans for sweeping overhaul of local government unveiled
Image – DTNZ Collection. The Government has unveiled plans for what it describes as the most significant overhaul of local government in more than three decades, proposing to abolish regional councillors and replace them with new Combined Territories Boards made up of mayors. Local Government Minister Chris Bishop said the current system is bogged down in duplication and complexity, and is failing to serve communities effectively. Under the refo…
Government Proposes Major Overhaul Of Local Councils
Government reveals plan to simplify local councils and boost decision-making through new structuresMayors could replace regional councillors under a new collaborative regional board modelPublic consultation on reforms is open now, with final proposal expected by March 2026The 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 sim…
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