Two-council proposal for Taranaki’s future submitted

South Taranaki District Council and Stratford District Council have submitted a joint outline proposal to Government for two unitary councils covering Taranaki, through the Government’s Head Start pathway for simplifying local government. The decision was made at South Taranaki District Council’s Extraordinary Council meeting on Monday and Stratford District Council’s Extraordinary Council meeting on Tuesday last week (3 and 4 August).

The proposal would see the South Taranaki District Council and Stratford District Council amalgamate to form one unitary authority, taking on both district council and relevant regional council functions for southern and central Taranaki. It assumes New Plymouth district would form a separate unitary authority or another appropriate structure, with some region-wide functions managed through shared regional governance arrangements.

Unitary councils combine the responsibilities currently carried out by district or city councils and regional councils.

South Taranaki District Mayor Phil Nixon says the proposal reflects a strong and consistent message from the south and central Taranaki communities, iwi partners and key stakeholders that local voice, local decision-making, and local control over the services provided must be protected through any future local government changes.

“Our community has been very clear. People understand change is coming, but they do not want south or central Taranaki’s voice to be lost in a single, region-wide council,” says Mayor Nixon.

Mayor Nixon’s comments were supported by strong community feedback which saw 1,392 responses being received through South Taranaki’s Head Start survey, with an overwhelming 94% supporting a two-council model for the region. Stratford District Council’s survey reflected similar results with 83% of the 633 responses also supporting a two-council regional model.

“These results gave us a clear mandate to take the next step and submit a locally led proposal to Government. Our proposal supports change where change is required, but it also recognises that Taranaki is not one single community with one set of needs, priorities or interests.”

Stratford District Mayor Neil Volzke says the two councils have worked together to develop a credible outline proposal that responds to the Government’s objectives while prioritising the unique identity and aspirations that Stratford and South Taranaki communities hold.

“We believe this proposal offers a practical, locally led opportunity to simplify governance, strengthen service capability, and improve accountability while retaining the local representation our communities value. It sets out a realistic pathway for change, grounded in existing relationships, community support, and a shared commitment to better outcomes.”

Local authorities had until 9 August 2026 to submit outline proposals for new unitary councils as part of the Government’s Head Start pathway. The South Taranaki and Stratford proposal has been developed as a locally led response to that process.

Mayors Nixon and Volzke stressed their Councils’ outline proposal does not make any immediate changes to services, rates, representation, or staffing.

“Our proposal will go to Cabinet for a decision, and we expect to hear back from Government sometime in September on the outcome. If our outline proposal gets approval, we then have around six months to develop a more detailed proposal. That’s when the hard work really begins,” says Mayor Nixon.

Mayor Volzke said the Council appreciates that New Plymouth District Council has been considering its own position on local government reform and we remain committed to maintaining a constructive regional dialogue throughout the process.

“For us it is important that existing regional functions continue to be delivered efficiently. For some services, this may be via the new unitary council, but for other services a regional approach may be required to achieve the best outcomes for the people and environment of Taranaki,” he said.

Simplifying Local Government Timeline:

• Outline proposal submitted to the Government 9 August 2026
• Cabinet decision made on outline proposals Sept 2026
• If outline proposal accepted - enter detailed design phase Oct 2026 - Mar 2027
• Detailed proposal submitted to the Government Mar 2027
• Cabinet decision made on detailed proposals May 2027
• If approved, detailed proposal implemented prior to Oct 2028 Local Body Elections
• If detailed proposal not accepted Government mandated 'Backstop' starts prior to Oct 2028 Local Body Elections