Mayoral candidate Steve Gibson says it’s time to seriously revisit the idea of amalgamating Hastings, Napier, Central Hawke’s Bay and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council into a single authority.
“Right now, we have four separate councils, four sets of managers, four planning systems, and too much duplication. Meanwhile, debt is climbing across the region and our ability to respond to major challenges is being stretched thin,” Mr Gibson said.
A single voice, stronger region
Amalgamation would provide Hawke’s Bay with one unified voice when dealing with central government. “We’ve seen how fragmentation has held us back. Whether it’s water reform, disaster recovery, or infrastructure funding, Wellington listens to regions that speak with one clear plan,” Mr Gibson said.
Lower costs, better services
The Local Government Commission previously projected savings of more than $260 million over 30 years from amalgamation through shared services and reduced bureaucracy. “That means less duplication, more efficient use of ratepayer dollars, and the ability to invest in the services people actually need — roads, water, rubbish and recovery,” Mr Gibson said.
Stronger resilience in times of crisis
From the Havelock North water contamination to Cyclone Gabrielle, recent disasters have shown how stretched councils can be when acting alone. “One council would pool expertise and resources, giving Hawke’s Bay the scale to respond quickly and recover stronger,” Mr Gibson said.
Protecting local voice
Mr Gibson said local representation would remain at the heart of a new structure. “Local boards for Hastings, Napier, CHB and Wairoa would ensure decision-making stays connected to our communities. This isn’t about centralising everything — it’s about combining strategy while keeping local democracy alive and well.”
Fairer financial future
Hastings debt is fast approaching $500 million, with Napier and CHB also under pressure. “Amalgamation would spread the load fairly across the region, easing rate pressure and letting us plan long-term without lurching from crisis to crisis,” Mr Gibson said.
