Simplifying Local Government

Since the announcement on 5 May, we've been talking with other councils across the region. We've also asked for your feedback via our online Korero Mai portal and at numerous community info sessions.

The three Eastern Bay district councils have now agreed to support a joint proposal for an Eastern Bay of Plenty Unitary Council to Central Government through the Government's Head Start pathway, marking a significant milestone in the region's consideration of local government reform.

Importantly, in the meantime:

  • Council services continue as normal for now
  • This is about future structure, not immediate service changes

Visit our website for updates and future announcements »


Change is coming - what should it look like for Whakatāne District?

The Government is looking at changes to how local government is structured, under its “Simplifying Local Government” work programme. Its aim is to simplify how councils are structured and governed and significantly reduce the number of councils in Aotearoa.

This could affect how decisions are made, how services are delivered, and how local communities are represented.

These proposals involve working together with neighbouring councils and may include amalgamation into larger councils.

The focus is on creating “unitary authorities” - a single council that delivers both regional and local services; but the Government hasn't ruled out sub-regional councils.

Doing nothing isn't an option:

  • If credible proposals are not submitted, the Government will impose a reform model.
  • This will involve a standardised, compulsory reorganisation process after 2028

We’re sharing information to help you understand what's being considered and tell us what matters most to you.

Councils that wish to be part of the Head Start Pathway only have until 9 August 2026 to submit a proposal, so there is very little time to hear what communities think.

Updates

Wednesday, 5 August 2026 - Voice of Eastern Bay communities endorsed with proposal for one Eastern Bay Council

The three Eastern Bay district councils have now agreed to support a joint proposal for an Eastern Bay of Plenty Unitary Council to Central Government through the Government's Head Start pathway, marking a significant milestone in the region's consideration of local government reform.

Kawerau District Council today joined Whakatāne District Council and Ōpōtiki District Council in endorsing the proposal, which will now be sent to Government ahead of the 9 August deadline for outline Head Start proposals.

The proposal outlines a potential future governance arrangement that would bring together the functions of the three district councils and relevant regional council responsibilities within a single Eastern Bay Council.

Read the full media release »

Friday, 12 June 2026

On 10 June, Council agreed to explore future governance options to progress towards a proposed outline for the Government’s Simplifying Local Government Reforms.

That means we’ll continue to work with neighbouring councils to understand how local authorities could join together to develop a Head Start proposal before the 9 August deadline.

More information

Since the announcement on 5 May, we've been talking with other councils across the region - and we want to take your whakaaro/thoughts with us.

Community info sessions

We hosted a series of community info sessions in Whakatāne, Ōhope, Edgecumbe, Murupara and Tāneatua so you could hear what’s being proposed, ask questions, and share what matters most to you. Thank you for coming along, getting informed, and being part of the conversation.

Change is coming - what should it look like for Whakatāne District?

The Government is looking at changes to how local government is structured, under its “Simplifying Local Government” work programme. Its aim is to simplify how councils are structured and governed and significantly reduce the number of councils in Aotearoa.

This could affect how decisions are made, how services are delivered, and how local communities are represented.

These proposals involve working together with neighbouring councils and may include amalgamation into larger councils.

The focus is on creating “unitary authorities” - a single council that delivers both regional and local services; but the Government hasn't ruled out sub-regional councils.

Doing nothing isn't an option:

  • If credible proposals are not submitted, the Government will impose a reform model.
  • This will involve a standardised, compulsory reorganisation process after 2028

We’re sharing information to help you understand what's being considered and tell us what matters most to you.

Councils that wish to be part of the Head Start Pathway only have until 9 August 2026 to submit a proposal, so there is very little time to hear what communities think.

Updates

Wednesday, 5 August 2026 - Voice of Eastern Bay communities endorsed with proposal for one Eastern Bay Council

The three Eastern Bay district councils have now agreed to support a joint proposal for an Eastern Bay of Plenty Unitary Council to Central Government through the Government's Head Start pathway, marking a significant milestone in the region's consideration of local government reform.

Kawerau District Council today joined Whakatāne District Council and Ōpōtiki District Council in endorsing the proposal, which will now be sent to Government ahead of the 9 August deadline for outline Head Start proposals.

The proposal outlines a potential future governance arrangement that would bring together the functions of the three district councils and relevant regional council responsibilities within a single Eastern Bay Council.

Read the full media release »

Friday, 12 June 2026

On 10 June, Council agreed to explore future governance options to progress towards a proposed outline for the Government’s Simplifying Local Government Reforms.

That means we’ll continue to work with neighbouring councils to understand how local authorities could join together to develop a Head Start proposal before the 9 August deadline.

More information

Since the announcement on 5 May, we've been talking with other councils across the region - and we want to take your whakaaro/thoughts with us.

Community info sessions

We hosted a series of community info sessions in Whakatāne, Ōhope, Edgecumbe, Murupara and Tāneatua so you could hear what’s being proposed, ask questions, and share what matters most to you. Thank you for coming along, getting informed, and being part of the conversation.