Although the Minister is touting the reform as a local initiative, in practice it is a Government directive with a predetermined outcome. Neither the councils nor the public are likely to have a genuine say on the matter. The Minister has previously signalled that he would step in where regions fail to produce a plan outlining how their councils will work together as part of major reforms. He expects the new local government governance structures to be in place for the October 2028 local elections.
The reform in Northland involves dissolving
the NRC and transferring its responsibilities and assets to local councils,
which themselves are to be consolidated into either one or two “super
councils.” It is highly likely the KDC will be absorbed in the process.
The KDC is concerned that the amalgamation
would reduce ratepayer representation (which it likely will) and have a
detrimental effect on key infrastructure (which is also highly likely).
In February, the KDC suggested creating a
combined Kaipara and North Rodney unitary authority, which would take in the
northern two-thirds of the former Rodney District Council area that is now part
of Auckland Council.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown rubbished the
proposal, and the Government has made it clear that Auckland Council is not
part of the current reform.
The WDC and FNDC councils would be the likely
winners in the reform (hence their support), while the NRC and KDC are unlikely
to survive (hence their opposition).
Further information
Northern Advocate: Northland councils team up on local government reform
1News: Supercity splitsville? Kaipara in breakaway plan with Auckland's north