Northland's National Party MPs have backed a proposal for a single unitary authority for Northland, but a Green MP from the region isn't as enamoured by the biggest shake-up in local government history in the region.
The Local Government commission announced last week a draft plan to replace Northland's four local authorities, Whangarei, Kaipara and Far North District and Northland Regional councils, with one authority from November 2015.
Another option for local government reform could be considered, but only if at least 10 per cent of voters from any of the affected councils sign a petition calling for a referendum.
Whangarei National MP Phil Heatley said the single authority was the best option for the region.
"To date I've had some sympathy for Dargaville, Kerikeri and Kaitaia, which won't want to feel they are run out of Whangarei. However, a single council for all of Northland would unite us and make it much easier to peddle straightforward demands to Wellington and an upbeat story to the export and tourism markets of the world," Mr Heatley said.