“Hawke’s Bay councils have already been working proactively together to explore future options with independent facilitators Wayne Eagleson and Lawrence Yule. This work will continue as more information becomes available,” the statement said.
“Confirmation that Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will not continue beyond October 2028 gives the region greater certainty and allows councils to continue exploring options for a simpler, more effective local government model.”
Former Hawke’s Bay regional councillor and chair Rex Graham said it was welcome news.
He was part of the initial push for amalgamation, which resulted in a referendum in September 2015.
Hawke’s Bay residents voted overwhelmingly against the proposal to amalgamate the Napier, Hastings, Wairoa, Central Hawke’s Bay and Hawke’s Bay regional councils.
About 66.18% of people (44,681) voted no compared with 33.55% (22,649) who voted yes.
But Graham said things have changed, and he thinks Hawke’s Bay residents are ready for it.
“We are facing enormous challenges with climate change and AI, to name a few,” Graham said
“It is crucial that we bind together for prosperity between the entire community.
”It’s absurd and childish to have so many councils."
He said he would love to see Wairoa join Napier, Hastings and Central Hawke’s Bay.
“But I’m not sure they would love to be with us.”
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council chair Sophie Siers said the announcement provided “welcome clarity” for the council.
“We’re pleased to see a clear structure emerge. That certainty means we can keep our focus where it needs to be - on delivering the long-term planning and investment that underpins Hawke’s Bay’s wellbeing and security,” she said.
Watts said proposals should focus on creating “larger, more efficient unitary authorities that streamline functions, reduce duplication, and improve decision-making”.
He said ministers did not have a specific number of councils they wanted to end up with, and it would depend on the plans they received – and the process would provide councils with “real flexibility”.
Napier MP Katie Nimon said it was great to see regions like Hawke’s Bay get together and move toward a more efficient and less complex system.
“Tuesday’s announcement was recognising that some regions are further along the process than others, and we want to give them a “head start”.
“The change is about affordability for ratepayers, which is achieved by removing duplication, improving accountability, and delivering more efficient services.”
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) said while some regions would be ready to submit their proposals by August 9, other regions with greater complexity might not and “that needs to be respected”.
LGNZ regional sector chair Dr Deon Swiggs says the decision for regional councillors to serve out their full elected term provides much-needed certainty.
“The recognition of the regional sector’s role will allow for a smoother transition to a new structure that supports the delivery of regional council functions,” Swiggs said.
He said proposals grounded in a clear understanding of regional council responsibilities, including river catchment management and public transport, are more likely to deliver strong long-term outcomes.
Decisions would be made this year, then developed in detail and signed off in 2027, and implemented before the 2028 local elections.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
