Simplifying Local Government reforms and Waitaki

Published on 20 May 2026

As councils move toward amalgamation, Waitaki is taking a hands-on approach to the Government’s Headstart programme, with Mayor Melanie Tavendale and CEO Alex Parmley instigating talks to campaign for the strongest future arrangement for Waitaki.

Together, they are working with neighbouring mayors to identify the options for Waitaki communities, outlining the next steps, including how communities will be involved in the process, and their non-negotiables.

In June Council will be holding some community meetings to hear from the community and discuss these reforms in more detail.

Just two weeks ago, the Government confirmed the next stage of its Simplifying Local Government reforms, setting in motion decisions with major consequences for councils and communities across New Zealand. Councils now have the option to voluntarily develop amalgamation proposals with two or more neighbouring councils within a tight three-month window — or risk being swept into a government-led backstop process.

“It is important that space be made for the community to be part of this conversation,” Mayor Tavendale said. “Any future option must be understood clearly — including the financial, environmental and representation impacts — so people can weigh the choices with confidence. We will give all our communities a chance to provide feedback. How people can do this will be explained soon.”

Mr Parmley said it was already clear that every council in the country will be affected.

“The reforms are designed to reshape District and City Councils into larger unitary authorities, combining local and regional powers into entirely new structures. Put simply, there is no future in the status quo. The Government has made it clear that amalgamation is coming, and councils that are not actively involved in the discussion risk having decisions made for them.

“That is why it is so important for Waitaki to have strong representation at the table — to ensure Waitaki’s voice is heard and it needs represented and why Mayor Tavendale and I moved early to make sure Waitaki’s voice is heard clearly and confidently.”

Both Mayor Tavendale and Mr Parmley said Waitaki has real choices about what its future could look like, and who it could partner with — both to the north and to the south.

In recent weeks, Mayor Tavendale has been at the centre of these discussions as Chair of the Otago Mayoral Forum, while also meeting directly with the Mayors of Waimate, Mackenzie and Timaru. Together with Mr Parmley, she is ensuring Waitaki is not just reacting to change but helping shape it

Next week, those conversations continue. Meetings are planned with northern neighbouring council leaders from Waitaki through to Ashburton. These early discussions are critical and reflect the proactive leadership now being shown to secure the strongest possible position for Waitaki.

“Council is determined to secure the best possible outcome for Waitaki and all its communities, and these reforms present an opportunity to build services that are more affordable, more sustainable, and better equipped for the future,” Mayor Tavendale said. “Waitaki is stepping forward with purpose at a time that matters most.”

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz