Simplifying Local Government
The Government is proposing to introduce Combined Territorial Authority Boards, made up of local mayors, to take on some functions currently held by regional councils. The proposal aims to improve coordination and decision-making across regions, while raising questions about governance, accountability and how future regional planning would work in practice. Central government is consulting on a proposal to change how regional-level governance works in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The proposal would reshape who makes regional decisions and how councils work together across each region. At Horowhenua District Council, we reviewed the proposal and made a submission raising matters that could impact our district and our community.
What’s being proposed
The Government has proposed replacing elected regional councillors with Combined Territories Boards (CTBs).
Under this model:
- Each board would be made up of the mayors of city and district councils within a region
- These boards would take on the regional governance responsibilities currently held by regional councils
- The intention is to reduce duplication and complexity by consolidating regional decision-making
The boards would be responsible for all of the functions of the current Regional Councils.
Regional Reorganisation Plans
If introduced, Combined Territories Boards would collectively govern regional functions such as:
- Environmental management
- Regional transport planning
- Civil defence and emergency management
The boards would also be required to prepare a Regional Reorganisation Plan within two years.
These plans would explore ways councils in each region could work together more effectively and efficiently, such as:
- Sharing services
- Collaborating on infrastructure
- Considering new governance or organisational arrangements
There would be public consultation before any proposal went to the Minister for approval.
What this could mean for you
If the proposal proceeds, you may notice:
- Changes in how regional decisions are made
- Greater emphasis on councils working together across boundaries
- Future discussions about how local government is organised
The intention is to make the system simpler and more coordinated, while continuing to support strong local representation.
What it means for Council
For councils, the proposal would represent a significant shift in how regional governance arrangements are structured.
For Horowhenua District Council, this could mean:
- the Mayor taking on additional regional governance responsibilities
- working more closely with neighbouring councils on regional issues
- contributing to the development of a Regional Reorganisation Plan
Council has made a submission on the proposal and is considering how the changes could affect governance arrangements, workloads, resourcing, and our ability to continue delivering services and infrastructure for the community.
We will continue to engage with the process and advocate for settings that recognise the needs and circumstances of districts like Horowhenua.
Our submission
You can read Council’s submission on the Bill here:
Horowhenua District Council - Submission - Simplifying-Local-Government(PDF, 405KB)
What’s next
- Government decisions are expected in March 2026.
- Legislation is anticipated later in 2026.
- Public consultation on the proposal has now closed. Submissions received will be considered as part of the decision-making process.
Council will continue to monitor developments and share updates, including any future opportunities for public input, as more information becomes available.
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