Five district councils across the Manawatū-Whanganui region have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on local government reform in response to the Government’s Simplifying Local Government programme. The participating councils are Rangitikei District Council, Tararua District Council, Manawatu District Council, Ruapehu District Council, and Whanganui District Council. Horizons Regional Council has provided a letter of support for the initiative.
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a collaborative work programme that will build a shared evidence base, test regional and sub-regional options, and examine the opportunities and challenges facing local government across the region. Importantly, participation does not commit any council to a preferred governance model or future structure. The agreement leaves the door open for other councils in the region to join the programme at any stage.
The five mayors emphasised their commitment to responsible, evidence-based decision-making before determining future directions for their councils. Manawatu District Council has already undertaken significant work exploring alternative models that could strengthen regional collaboration while retaining local representation and accountability. The participating councils stressed that every district has its own identity, priorities, and circumstances, and the programme will help them understand where interests align and where they differ.
The councils chose to take a proactive approach rather than waiting for reform to be designed for them by central government. Regional collaboration through the existing Mayoral Forum will continue on matters outside the Simplifying Local Government reforms. The mayors stated their focus remains on achieving the best long-term outcomes for communities across the Manawatū-Whanganui region, not just within individual council boundaries.
Read the full article at Whanganui District Council – News →
Source: Whanganui District Council – News. This summary was published by Input Ltd via amalgamation.nz, New Zealand’s central resource for local government amalgamation news and council merger updates.
