Horowhenua District Council has agreed to submit a proposal with Palmerston North City Council as part of the Government’s local government reform programme.
The decision means Horowhenua will take a front-foot approach to the Government’s reform process, rather than waiting for the compulsory Backstop process to begin following the 2028 local elections.
The proposal enables Horowhenua and Palmerston North to continue exploring what future local government arrangements could look like through a detailed design process. It is not a decision to amalgamate, nor does it predetermine the final outcome of the Government’s reform programme.
Mayor Bernie Wanden said today’s decision was about showing leadership and ensuring Horowhenua had a genuine opportunity to influence its own future.
“The Government has made it clear that local government reform is coming. We had a choice: wait for the Backstop process, or take the opportunity to help shape the conversation from the outset.
“While we aren’t ready to submit a Head Start proposal as per the terms of the government’s proposal, we’ve chosen to front foot that process, so Horowhenua has a strong voice and is well positioned alongside Palmerston North in a way that does not wait for back stop, but in good faith responds to government and says here are our terms of engagement.
“It’s also important to be clear about what today’s decision is, and what it isn’t. This is not a decision to amalgamate. There is still a significant amount of work to do before any future changes could become a reality.
“If the Government accepts our proposal, there will be detailed design work, further engagement, Government assessment and another local body election before any structural changes could occur. There is still a lot of water to go under the bridge.”
Mayor Wanden said Council had also been deliberate in selecting Palmerston North as its preferred partner.
“Our communities already have strong and longstanding connections through employment, education, healthcare, transport and everyday life. Building on those existing relationships gives us a strong starting point while keeping the door open for others to be part of future conversations if they choose.”
Mayor Wanden said he was proud of the way Council had approached the process.
“The timeframe was incredibly challenging, but we’ve done the work. We’ve invested in independent analysis, worked openly with neighbouring councils, listened to our community and made a decision based on evidence rather than assumptions.
“This has been one of the most significant strategic decisions this Council has considered in many years, and I’d like to thank everyone who contributed their time, expertise and perspectives.”
The proposal will now be submitted to the Government ahead of the 9 August Head Start deadline. If accepted, the next phase will involve detailed design work, further engagement and Government assessment to better understand what any future governance arrangements could look like. Any changes to local government structures would require further decisions and would not take effect before the 2028 local elections.