Latest updates:
4 August — Hauraki, Matamata-Piako and Thames-Coromandel district councils resolved to submit a joint proposal through the Government’s Local Government Reorganisation Headstart programme.
What is being proposed?
The proposal is the first step in the councils working together to develop a new unitary authority for the Waihou-Piako-Hauraki-Coromandel area, if it is accepted as the preferred solution under the Government’s changes to local authority frameworks.
It is based on a shared view that local government change is a chance to shape councils around the communities, landscapes and catchments that connect this part of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Instead of starting with existing council boundaries, the proposal starts with the natural catchment systems, local economies and communities of interest that already link the three districts.
Working with iwi and hapū
The proposed area overlaps with the rohe and areas of interest of Pare Hauraki, Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Hauā, Raukawa and Ngāti Hinerangi. A new authority would carry forward existing Treaty settlement obligations and keep working in genuine partnership with iwi and hapū.
What we heard from our communities
Community engagement across the three districts showed support from respondents for an ‘eastern Waikato authority’. People also made it clear they want every area to have a fair voice, with no community dominated by a larger centre.
Why has this proposal been created?
Central government has signalled changes to the future role and structure of regional councils after 2028, and that it wants fewer city and district councils across New Zealand. Councils now have a short window to put forward their preferred option before central government determines the next steps for future council structures.
The proposal was developed after community surveys and workshops with the three councils, which looked at different options for how local government could be delivered across the area in the future.
Connecting our communities
This proposal weaves in feedback from our communities through earlier engagement. That engagement tested a broader East Waikato option, which included South Waikato. As this process evolved South Waikato District Council resolved to form a unitary with other councils.
People shared that they valued a strong local voice, better environmental and catchment management, fairness between communities, and decisions being made close to the people and places they affect.
Hauraki District Council received 757 responses to an online survey asking what our community thought. Read the earlier community engagement update.
