Tauranga City Council has released the results of a survey showing strong community support for local government reform in the Bay of Plenty region. The independent survey of 1,338 Tauranga residents, conducted between 15 June and 1 July 2026, found that 79 per cent of respondents want the council to work with neighbouring councils to shape the future of local government rather than have changes imposed by central government. The survey was undertaken in response to the Government’s Simplifying Local Government programme, which requires councils to submit proposals by 9 August 2026 as part of a ‘Head Start’ pathway.
The survey results revealed that over 78 per cent of respondents support reducing the number of councils through mergers, and more than 85 per cent backed the creation of a single larger council for the wider Bay of Plenty if it delivers service efficiencies, simpler governance, and financial savings for ratepayers. Western Bay of Plenty District Council emerged as the preferred merger partner, with 54 per cent support, followed by Whakatāne District Council. Top priorities identified by residents include keeping rates low, efficient delivery of council functions and services, and efficient infrastructure delivery.
Mayor Mahé Drysdale emphasised that the reform process is about working together to design something new rather than one council taking over another. He acknowledged the tight timeframe for the Government’s deadline and thanked residents for their participation. The survey results reflect the reality that communities across the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region are closely connected, with people crossing council boundaries daily for work, education, recreation, and essential services.
Tauranga City Council will continue discussions with neighbouring councils over the coming weeks to develop potential options and decide whether to submit a proposal by the 9 August deadline. If a proposal is submitted and receives Government approval, councils will have until March 2027 to refine it into a full plan, which would take effect after the 2028 local body elections.
Read the full article at Tauranga City Council – News →
Source: Tauranga City 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.
