Ngāi Tahu shares vision for local government

Local government reform is one of the most important conversations taking place in New Zealand today. The decisions made over the next few years will shape how communities across Te Waipounamu plan for growth, maintain infrastructure, respond to climate change and manage the increasing costs facing ratepayers.

As an iwi whose takiwā spans most of Te Waipounamu, we believe it is important to contribute to that conversation. While councils have put forward their own Head Start proposals, we have taken a broader view, asking what kind of local government system will best serve future generations across our takiwā.

The result is a bold vision that proposes larger councils aligned to major water catchments, stronger local decision making, and a shared services model designed to improve capability and reduce duplication.

You can read our full Head Start vision below, along with our media release announcing the proposal.

Read the full proposal

Read the media release