As the Mayors of the Eastern Bay of Plenty, we acknowledge that change may be needed in how local government in Aotearoa New Zealand is organised, and we are willing to engage constructively in that discussion.
However, any reform of local government must be undertaken in a careful, considered, and integrated way. Changes of this scale are constitutionally significant, and they warrant a process that reflects that importance.
The “Simplifying Local Government” announcement made yesterday by Ministers Chris Bishop and Simon Watts, and the process of consultation around it is, in our view, unnecessarily rushed. It does not allow for the level of public dialogue, community input, or informed debate that such a significant change deserves.
Regional councillors were elected by their communities with a clear mandate, and those communities rightly expect their elected representatives to serve out the full term. Allowing them to do so would provide the time needed for a more meaningful and complete discussion on the future function and form of an efficient and effective local government system - including understanding the implications of any proposed changes.
As we look ahead to that discussion, we emphasise the priorities of our Eastern Bay of Plenty communities:
protecting the Taiao / natural environment,
upholding Tangata Whenua participation as a core element of local governance,
preserving local decision-making,
ensuring strong and accessible community input.
We remain committed to working collaboratively and constructively to ensure any future local government structure serves our communities well, both now and for generations to come.
In coming days, amidst an already full calendar of induction activities, our councils will hold briefings with elected members to discuss the proposal and plan for how we might want to engage with the submission process. We encourage people to find out about the proposal as outlined on the Department of Internal Affairs website and consider making a submission ahead of the 20 February 2026 deadline.
David Moore Faylene Tunui Nándor Tánczos
Mayor Ōpōtiki District Mayor Kawerau District Mayor/Koromatua Whakatāne District
