Marlborough District Council is inviting residents to have their say on a possible merger with Marlborough which may be proposed by Kaikōura District Council. The first stage - a public survey - opens today and further community engagment is planned should the possibility of a merger gain momentum.
Council recently agreed to take part in exploratory discussions with neighbouring councils if approached, following the Government's announcement of the Head Start process. Kaikōura District Council has agreed to participate in the Head Start initiative and is currently considering options with its neighbouring councils. Its preferred option, due to be decided on 8 July, could include requesting a merger proposal with Marlborough District Council that would create a single unitary authority covering both districts.
Although Marlborough is already a unitary council and not required to participate in the Head Start process, the Mayor and councillors want to ensure they understand community perspectives before considering any future proposal. The survey is part of Council's commitment to understanding community views as discussions continue around the Government's Simplifying Local Government reform programme and its Head Start initiative.
The survey is available on the Council’s website
Participants are encouraged to read the background information and frequently asked questions provided at the beginning of the survey. The survey runs from noon today to noon on 8 July 2026 and seeks feedback on what matters most to Marlborough residents should a formal merger proposal be put forward.
Mayor Nadine Taylor said while no decisions had been made, it was important that the community had an early opportunity to share its views.
"At this stage, we’re gathering information and listening to our community. No commitments have been made and any future proposal would require careful consideration, ongoing community engagement and formal Council approval," she said.
"This survey gives people an opportunity to tell us what issues and outcomes they would want Council to consider if a merger proposal is presented to us by Kaikōura District Council," Mayor Taylor said.
The survey asks residents what factors are most important to them in any potential merger process and will help inform Council's future consultation, discussions and decision-making. Responses are anonymous and no personally identifiable information is collected.
“If Kaikōura District Councillors decide next week that their preferred option is a merger with Marlborough, we will carry out further public engagement with the Marlborough community.”
Simplifying Local Government – frequently asked questions
