Simplifying Local Government – frequently asked questions

Head Start is a voluntary pathway announced by the Government in May 2026 as part of its wider Simplifying Local Government reforms. It allows councils to develop proposals for new unitary authorities before broader local government reforms are implemented nationally from 2028.

A unitary authority combines the functions of both a regional council and a territorial authority (district or city council) into a single organisation. Marlborough District Council is already a unitary authority and currently delivers both regional and district functions.

The Government says reform is intended to simplify governance arrangements, reduce duplication, improve efficiency, support catchment-based environmental management, and align local government structures with its proposed planning system reforms.

No. No decision has been made to merge the two councils. Discussions are exploratory, and any future proposal would be subject to further analysis, consultation and formal decisions by the respective councils.

Kaikōura District Council has been seeking community feedback on two primary options:

• Joining with Marlborough District Council to form a new unitary authority.
• Joining with Hurunui and Waimakariri districts to form a North Canterbury unitary authority.

While Marlborough already is the Government's preferred unitary model, it can choose to participate in the Head Start process. Marlborough has agreed to explore potential opportunities with neighbouring councils to understand emerging options and implications for the region.

Potential benefits include:

• A single point of responsibility for regional and local services
• Coordinated planning and management of river catchments, biosecurity and the coastal marine area
• Greater organisational scale and capability, particularly for supporting potential economic development opportunities in tourism, aquaculture and other sectors
• Strengthening the long-held connections between two neighbours, including economic and business relationships.

Any benefits would need to be assessed through a detailed business case and public consultation.

Maintaining local representation and community identity is a key consideration in any reform proposal. The Government's assessment criteria require councils to demonstrate fair and effective representation of communities. How this would work would be explored during the design phase of any proposal.

Any proposal would require detailed financial analysis before implementation. Changes to rates would depend on the final governance and service delivery model adopted. No decisions have been made regarding future rating structures.

Services such as roading, waste management, water supply, environmental management, libraries, community facilities and regulatory functions would continue to be delivered. The design of future service delivery arrangements would be considered as part of any detailed proposal.

The Government has signalled that councils not participating in the voluntary Head Start process may be included in a future ‘backstop’ reform process. Further details are avaialble here: Government Head Start guidance document

Kaikōura District Council has undertaken surveys, public meetings and community engagement activities. Marlborough District Council has said that any move toward a formal proposal would involve community engagement and consultation. Residents should follow both councils communications channels for further opportunities to participate in this discussion.

Current Government timeframes:

• Outline proposals due 9 August 2026
• Government agrees proposals in principle in September 2026
• Detailed design phase (October 2026 to March 2027)
• Detailed proposal submission due in March 2027
• Government confirms final proposals and makes final policy decisions in May 2027
• Legislation enacted to implement Head Start proposals and backstop: early 2028.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said that Marlborough is open to discussions with neighbouring councils but that participating in conversations does not commit the council to amalgamation or governance changes. A survey will be undertaken from 2 to 8 July 2026 asking the Marlborough public for their preliminary view on a possible merger with Kaikōura District Council. A follow up survey will be undertaken by Council after 9 July if Kaikōura District Council decides it wishes to progress a Head Start proposal with Marlborough Distirct Council.

Kaikōura District Council has decided to submit a Head Start proposal and has been consulting its community on its preferred merger option. The council has emphasised the importance of community input before determining its preferred pathway. It is due to make a decision on its preferred option on 8 July 2026.

More information about Kaikōura’s position is availlble at: Simplifying Local Government - Reforms 2026 - Kaikōura District Council