Central Government has announced big changes to how local government will be structured, with the aim of reducing the number of councils across New Zealand.

New Plymouth District Council intends to take part in the Government’s Head Start pathway. This voluntary pathway allows councils to drive reorganisation and propose a new structure that works for their region, rather than waiting for the Government to make the decision for them.

But it's a short timeframe, which means we must work quickly.

Councils must lodge an outline Head Start proposal by 9 August 2026. If the Government approves the outline proposal in principle, they then have until March 2027 to complete a detailed proposal.

If a council does not take part in the Head Start pathway, or the Government does not approve its outline proposal, they will be part of the Back Stop pathway. That means the Government will decide what happens in that region after the 2028 local body elections.

We are working with Taranaki Regional Council and ngā iwi o Taranaki on this work programme. South Taranaki District Council and Stratford District Council are also conducting surveys, and we are all looking for opportunities for regional alignment.

Tell us what you think

We have an open mind as to what the best local government model for the region may look like.

You can help guide our thinking by completing this short survey. Tell us what matters to you when it comes to local governance and decision-making, as well as the challenges and opportunities you see for New Plymouth and Taranaki.

This is the first stage of community consultation. There will be further communications and opportunities to provide views and feedback before a detailed proposal is lodged in March next year.