COUNCILS APPROVE JOINT HEAD START PROPOSAL FOR KING COUNTRY FUTURE

MEDIA RELEASE – 4 AUGUST 2026

COUNCILS APPROVE JOINT HEAD START PROPOSAL FOR KING COUNTRY FUTURE

Ōtorohanga District Council and Waitomo District Council have formally approved the submission of a joint Head Start proposal to the Government, marking an important milestone in exploring the future of local government across the King Country.

The proposal seeks Government approval to move to the next stage of the Head Start process, where a detailed business case and further engagement would be undertaken. It does not mean a decision has been made to establish a new council.

The proposal outlines a locally-led option to create a single unitary authority for the King Country, bringing together the functions currently delivered by Ōtorohanga District Council, Waitomo District Council and Waikato Regional Council within the two districts. The proposal has been developed jointly following resolutions by both councils in May 2026 and reflects the Government's invitation for councils to shape their own future through the Head Start pathway.

Ōtorohanga District Mayor Rodney Dow says approving the proposal is about ensuring local communities remain at the centre of decisions about local government reform.

"The Government has made it clear that change is coming to local government. This proposal gives us the opportunity to put forward a solution that has been developed locally, rather than waiting for decisions to be made for us."

"This isn't a decision to merge councils. It's a decision to submit a proposal that we believe deserves serious consideration. If the Government accepts it, there will be more detailed work, more community engagement and more opportunities for people to have their say before any final decisions are made."

Waitomo District Mayor John Robertson says the proposal recognises the strong connections that already exist across the two districts.

"Our communities already live, work, learn and play across district boundaries. We share a strong King Country identity, and this proposal reflects that while also recognising the importance of protecting local representation and local decision-making."

"This is about exploring whether there is a better way to deliver services and represent our communities into the future. We owe it to our communities to investigate that opportunity thoroughly."

The proposal identifies a shared community of interest across Te Rohe Pōtae and suggests that a single unitary authority could simplify governance, strengthen local accountability and improve the way local and regional decisions are made for the King Country. It also acknowledges that significant work remains, including detailed financial modelling, governance design, representation arrangements, engagement with iwi and communities, and legislative consideration before any changes could occur.

The proposal will now be submitted to the Government as part of the Head Start programme. If accepted, both councils will move into a detailed design phase, which would include further analysis, engagement with iwi, stakeholders and the wider community, before a detailed proposal is presented to Government in March 2027. If the proposal is ultimately approved, the October 2028 local government elections would be held for a new combined King Country Council.

Residents can read the full proposal and learn more about the process at www.ourkingcountryfuture.co.nz

ENDS