Western Bay council to consult communities on local government reform

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is set to engage directly with its communities from 25 May to 14 June, following the central government's announcement of a 'HeadStart' pathway for local government reform. The reforms signal a move towards fewer and larger councils, potentially combining regional and local responsibilities into unitary authorities. Councils wishing to submit an outline proposal through the HeadStart process must do so by 9 August.

Mayor James Denyer said the changes go to the heart of how the district has developed over more than three decades since the 1989 local government reforms. He emphasised that Western Bay's mix of rural and urban communities, strong primary industries, and distinct growth pressures set it apart from city-based councils — and that local context must be central to any reform discussion.

Denyer was clear that the upcoming conversations were neither a vote nor a referendum and would not bind any final outcome. However, he said it would be unacceptable to allow decisions of this magnitude to be made without first properly consulting the people the council serves. "We won't sit back and do nothing. We want to front-foot this conversation, test our thinking, and invite challenge where it's needed," he said.

Community input will be gathered through the council's YourPlace Tō wāhi online platform, in-person events, and an online webinar featuring Mayor Denyer and the council's CEO Matt Potton. Residents can find more information at westernbay.govt.nz.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).