Western Bay Council Holds Workshops on Local Government Shake-Up

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is running six community workshops throughout June to discuss possible local government reorganisation, following the Government's announcement on 5 May that councils have a three-month window to propose how they want to restructure. The council has released a discussion document outlining five possible scenarios, ranging from forming a single Bay of Plenty-wide unitary authority to splitting the Western Bay district and having different parts join neighbouring councils.

Mayor James Denyer said no single option is preferred at this stage, but stressed that the community's voice needs to be part of the conversation. The Government's 'Head Start' pathway is aimed at creating fewer, larger councils — including unitary authorities combining regional and local responsibilities — with any outline proposals due by 9 August 2026 for potential implementation ahead of the 2028 elections.

Workshops will be held across the district: Waihī Beach on 2 June at Waihī Beach United Church; Ōmokoroa on 3 June at Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall; Te Puna on 4 June at Te Puna Rugby Club; Katikati on 8 June at Pātuki Manawa Katikati Library; Maketū on 9 June at Whakauē Marae; and Te Puke on 10 June at The Orchard Church. All sessions run from 6pm to 8pm and will include a presentation followed by table discussions on the reorganisation scenarios.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).