Local Government and Resource Management Reform
The Government has now enacted legislation replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) with a new planning and environmental management system. Implementation will occur in stages over the coming years as the new framework is rolled out nationally. Learn more here.
Local government amalgamation
The Government has also advised that decisions on the Head Start local government reform proposals have been deferred until early 2027 while additional work is undertaken on governance, representation and regional service delivery arrangements. Bay of Plenty Regional Council will continue to monitor developments and update this page as further information becomes available.
As a regional council, we see the Head Start for Simplifying Local Government as an opportunity to improve how public services are delivered, strengthen efficiency across the sector, and work more closely with other councils for the benefit of local communities.
At the same time, we continue to advocate for the importance of local voices in the reform process. Decisions affecting our region should reflect the perspectives of the people who live, work, and invest here.
Why reform matters
Regional councils play a critical role in safeguarding the environment, managing natural resources, supporting resilient regional economies, and delivering essential regional functions. These responsibilities directly affect people’s lives and livelihoods.
Over the past three decades, regional councils have worked with communities to manage New Zealand’s environment while supporting regional growth. Local input has been a key part of achieving this balance, and any future system must continue to reflect community needs and aspirations.
We are open to change that genuinely benefits regional communities. However, it is important that reforms strengthen the effective delivery of local services.
Our submissions
Throughout the reform process, regional councils have been assured there will be opportunities to provide detailed regional views. We have taken these opportunities seriously, submitting both strategic and technical feedback, including commentary on RMA reform, governance structures, local representation, regional delivery models, and environmental outcomes.
We now await government decisions and will continue planning for fair, effective, and community‑focused implementation.
Click the links below to view our submissions:
BOPRC Submission on Simplifying Local Government Combined Final
Bay of Plenty Mayoral Forum on Simplifying Local Government - with signatures
Eastern Bay Joint Committee Submission Simplifying Local Government
Te Uru Kahika submissions
New Zealand's 16 regional and unitary councils for a sector collective called Te Uru Kahika - Regional and Unitary Councils Aotearoa.
This sector advocacy body has also made submissions on behalf of the sector, to ensure that future local government upholds the integrated delivery of functions at the appropriate scale, with no unintentional fragmentation of regional functions or the weakening of long-term decision making.
Click the links below to view submissions: