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Have your Say - Simplifying Local Government

The Government's Head Start initiative, part of its Simplifying Local Government reforms, provides councils with an opportunity to explore locally-led options for future local government structures.

In our first survey about this in early July 2026, the Marlborough community was generally positive or neutral about a possible council merger. Concerns were raised about maintaining strong local representation, the protection of Marlborough's identity, increased costs and debt, the quality of infrastructure and the provision of emergency management.

Go to the Simplifying Local Goverment survey feedback

Kaikōura District Council decided on 15 July that its preference is to develop a joint Head Start proposal with Marlborough District Council to create a single unitary council covering both districts. Although Marlborough is already a unitary council and not required to participate in the Head Start process, our Councillors must decide soon whether or not to develop a joint amalgamation proposal with Kaikōura.

There was a second public survey between 20 July and 29 July 2026.

Go to the Proposal to amalgamate with Kaikōura District Council survey feedback

Please note that there will be a full, formal public consultation on any merger proposal, should the Government support the Head Start amalgamation proposal, most likely in the early part of 2027.

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