Local government changes are coming

Through its Simplifying Local Government programme, the Government is looking at changes to how local government is organised. The goal is to make the system simpler by reducing the number of city and district councils across New Zealand and moving towards unitary authorities.

A voluntary fast-track option, called Head Start, is now open. This allows groups of councils to submit high-level “outline proposals” for how local government could be reorganised in their regions. The deadline for proposals is 9 August 2026. Proposals must be submitted by groups of councils, not individual councils.

Now we want to hear from you

We want to start a conversation with the community to understand what matters most to Rotorua residents. This survey is not formal consultation. Your feedback will help shape our early thinking, but it will not determine final decisions or guarantee specific outcomes.

If an outline proposal is submitted and accepted by Cabinet, formal public consultation will take place later this year.

While central government will make the final decisions about the future of local government, our role is to make sure the views of Rotorua communities are heard.

The survey closes 📆 22 June 2026.

Council has decided to continue investigating a Head Start proposal. We’re talking with other mayors and councils across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato to explore potential amalgamation options.

We are also working with mana whenua. We recognise the strong history in Rotorua of working together with Te Arawa, and this will be reflected in our decision-making.