Wairoa’s mayor says it is “farcical” that central government expects councils to propose changes to local democracy within a three-month timeline without providing any additional funding.

Craig Little says the unrealistic deadline has put enormous pressure on its councillors, who still have to stay focused on business as usual. “Central government also expects local councils to keep rates low, even though councils and ratepayers are having to meet the costs around the central government’s whimsical and ever-changing reforms,” Little said.

Little said he was extremely proud of the Wairoa council for achieving the lowest proposed average rates increase in Hawke’s Bay for 2026/27 of 2.8%.

He said they listened to the community, which also aligns with what the central Government wants councils to do. “It demonstrates what our council can achieve without reducing levels of service.”

The prospective average rates for Wairoa township residential homes connected to council services will see a reduction of 0.3%, commercial properties up by 1.5%, forestry down by 1%, and rural up by 0.3%.

The reforms come after RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop announced in early May that councils had three months to submit amalgamation proposals, or the Government would do it for them.

Hastings District, Napier City, Wairoa District and CHB District councils earlier this month signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore amalgamation options under the Head Start pathway.

The agreement does not finalise a plan but commits the councils to developing one.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, which will be disbanded in 2028, is taking part as a supporting signatory.

Now, the Wairoa council is launching a comprehensive engagement campaign to hear from its people.

Little said Wairoa was geographically isolated, a vast land mass and very different from the rest of Hawke’s Bay. “We have seen in the past that regionalised approaches do not work for Wairoa. 

“The preference of Wairoa District Council elected members is for Wairoa to become its own unitary authority and take over the Wairoa functions of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, providing the HBRC funding is allocated.”

But, he said, before a decision was made, the council needed to hear from its community.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts has previously said he was confident councils could meet the timeline. “This is a voluntary process for councils that have indicated that they are ready and keen to get underway now.”

Councils only need to submit outline proposals by August 9, and if accepted, officials will work with councils to develop proposals ahead of final decisions in 2027.

Wairoa options could include:

• Wairoa becoming its own unitary authority and taking over the Wairoa functions of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. Central Government has signalled it is unlikely to support this option.
• Wairoa becoming part of a Hawke’s Bay unitary authority – combining with Hastings District Council, Napier City Council and Central Hawke’s Bay District Council to form a ‘large unitary council’.
• Splitting Hawke’s Bay into northern and southern regions with Wairoa partnered with the Napier City Council.
• Wairoa becoming part of the Tairāwhiti/Gisborne unitary council.
• These options could involve boundary adjustments and reallocation of HBRC funding.

Residents can attend a community hui or provide feedback via [email protected]

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.