Horizons Regional Council is providing support to city and district councils in its region as they navigate the next phase of local government reform. The regional council has taken on an enabling role after central government criteria prevented regional councils from submitting amalgamation proposals. Two distinct approaches have emerged within the region, though both remain open to future collaboration with other councils.
Five mayors from Rangitikei, Manawatu, Ruapehu, Tararua and Whanganui districts have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a collaborative programme exploring the future direction of local government. This programme will build a shared evidence base, test regional and sub-regional options, and examine opportunities and challenges before any council determines its future direction. Separately, Palmerston North City Council and Horowhenua District Council voted this week to undertake their own approach to local government reform with a commitment to work together, with Palmerston North expressing interest in a sub-regional unitary council focused on cohesive catchment management of the Manawatu River.
Horizons chair Nikki Riley says the regional council has supported the Mayoral Forum and member councils by providing data and information about regional functions, which proved valuable given the challenging three-month timeframe for deciding on a Head Start pathway. The regional council sent letters of support to all councils ahead of the 9 August 2026 deadline. Horizons has committed to continue supporting all councils in an equal and even-handed manner through the transition into future institutional arrangements.
The Mayoral Forum has committed to continue working together as the local government reform process progresses. Horizons will maintain its enabling partnership role, providing ongoing support for regional service delivery and decision-making across the Horizons Region.
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Source: Horizons Regional 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.
