Whakatāne District Council Agrees to Explore Future Local Government Options

Whakatāne District Council will explore future governance options to progress towards a proposal outline for the Government's Simplifying Local Government reforms. 

Councillors agreed on Wednesday to explore future local governance options and to work towards a proposal ahead of the August 9 deadline. 

A proposal would need to be put forward by a majority of Bay of Plenty Councils or by two Bay of Plenty Councils  representing a majority of the region's population. 

The Government will decide which proposals from across the motu will progress, and detailed amalgamation plans would be required in March 2027. 

If implemented, the new system would replace district, city and cegional councils in 2028. 

The "Head Start" process directs staff to investigate potential governance arrangements alongside neighbouring councils and iwi partners but does not commit the council to any particular structure or outcome. 

Mayor Nándor Tánczos said the decision was about ensuring the district has a strong voice and delivering the best option for the community. 

“By doing the work to understand the Head Start pathway, we’re keeping our options open and ensuring we can explore what might deliver the best outcomes for Whakatāne District, the Eastern Bay and the wider region.”

Tánczos acknowledged the short time frame has made full community engagement difficult, but said that by participating in the Head Start process the council would be able to workk with others from across the region to bring forward local perspectives. 

The decision comes as discussions between neighbouring councils, iwi and communities continue across the three Eastern Bay. 

There will be further opportunities for feedback in the coming weeks as maintaining strong local representation will remain a key priority in any proposal, Tánczos said. 

“We need to strike the right balance between achieving better coordination and efficiency, while ensuring our communities continue to have a strong voice in decision-making.

“There are strong relationships between mayors across the Eastern Bay and the Bay of Plenty, creating a good foundation for open, constructive discussions on what is the biggest change to local government in decades.”

Ōpōtiki Mayor David Moore previously expressed concerns that amalgamations may not deliver savings, and and could result in a loss of local voice and representation. 

However, he encouraged the community to provide feedback to their councillors to help ensure Ōpōtiki's interests and needs can remain at the forefront of discussions. 

Kawerau Mayor Faylene Tunui was contacted for comment.