Are there too many Councils on the Coast?
West Coast councils are continuing to progress work on the Government’s Head Start local government reform pathway, with all West Coast Councils supporting participation in the process so the Coast can help shape its own future, rather than waiting for a centrally led process.
The Head Start pathway gives councils until 9 August 2026 to submit an outline proposal to Government. The Government’s guidance makes clear that proposals should focus on fewer, larger unitary-style models, where district and regional council responsibilities are brought together in some form.
The August proposal will not be a final decision on the future structure of local government on the West Coast. It will be a high-level outline proposal that sets out a credible pathway, identifies key options and trade-offs, and shows what further work would be needed if the proposal progresses to the next phase.
While the Government has confirmed that Regional Councils cannot formally submit a proposal, the West Coast Mayors, Chairs and Iwi Forum have agreed the process should include the institutional knowledge associated with regional functions as part of the wider regional discussions.
A regional working group has been established, bringing together representatives from councils to support a coordinated West Coast response.
Ashley Stuart, West Coast Local Government Reform Project Lead, said the current phase is about starting the conversation with communities.
“This is a Government-directed reform process, but the West Coast response can still be locally shaped. Our focus is on making sure any future approach reflects the realities of the Coast - our geography, communities, infrastructure pressures, resilience challenges and the services people rely on every day.”
“Councils have been clear that no decisions have been made on future structures or governance models. The first step is to understand what communities value, what they think could be improved, and what would need to be protected in any future system.”
The Government’s guidance says Head Start proposals will be assessed against criteria including support for the new planning system, simplified local governance, economies of scale, local voice, and deliverability.
“This means we need to be honest with communities about the Government’s direction, while also making sure local views help shape the West Coast proposal,” Ms Stuart said.
“There is still significant work ahead. The August proposal is not the end of the process. Any option taken forward would need further evidence, detailed design and community engagement before final decisions are made.”
As part of this work, a regional engagement platform has been established to provide background information, updates and opportunities for the public to share their views.
Community discussion sessions will be held across Buller, Grey and Westland districts during June and July, with further details to be confirmed shortly.
Grey District
Location and Date: Greymouth Tuesday 9 June
Venue: Byte Hub, 1A Guinness Street, Greymouth
Time: 4.30-6.30pm
Westland District
Location and Date: Hokitika Thursday 11 June
Venue: Hokitika Westland RSA, 22 Sewell Street, Hokitika
Time: 4.30-6.30pm
Haast Thursday 2 July (venue and time TBC)
Franz Josef Friday 3 July (venue and time TBC)
Buller District
Karamea Monday 22 June (venue and time TBC)
Westport Tuesday 23 June ((venue and time TBC)
Reefton Thursday 25 June (venue and time TBC)
The community sessions will focus on understanding what matters most to communities, what people value about local representation and services, and what they believe the future of local government on the Coast could look like.
Councils are encouraging all residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders to take part in the regional discussions.
Information on upcoming sessions and opportunities to provide feedback will be available through the regional engagement platform at West Coast Councils
Feedback can also be provided directly through local councils and online channels throughout the process.
“This is an important conversation for the future of the Coast, and we want to ensure communities have the opportunity to be involved from the beginning,” Ms Stuart said.
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Ashley Stuart, Project Lead
ashley.stuart@westcoast.govt.nz