Waipā is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts.

We're proud of our strong communities and reputation as the Home of Champions. But like all councils across New Zealand, we're facing increasing challenges – from funding infrastructure and supporting growth to keeping rates affordable while planning for the future.

The Government has signalled major changes to local government and has invited councils to help shape what comes next through a process called Head Start.

For Waipā, the question isn't whether change is coming. It's how we make sure any change delivers the best outcomes for our communities.

That's why we're seeking your feedback before making any decisions about our future direction.

Early in May, central government announced a new ‘Head Start’ pathway for local government reform, giving councils until 9 August 2026 to come up with proposals to join up with neighbouring authorities.

The Head Start pathway outlines potential future changes to how councils are structured, in particular the shift toward larger unitary authorities. A unitary authority is a single council organisation that delivers the services of both city/district and regional councils. Examples of these are in place now in Auckland, Gisborne, Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman.

Councils can choose to progress a proposal through Head Start which will then be evaluated by central government. Any councils that decide not to take the Head Start pathway, or cannot agree on a new arrangement, will enter a compulsory amalgamation process after the 2028 local government elections. This is being called the ‘Back Stop’ process. This will be the mandatory alternative — councils that do not put forward Head Start proposals will follow a process outlined by central government after the 2028 local elections.

Policy decisions about the back stop process are not expected to be released until May 2027. The future direction of this pathway could shift if there is a change in government or political appetite for the reform changes.


We know change is coming. We'd rather be on the field helping shape the future than watching from the side lines.

Proposals can be submitted by groupings of two or more territorial authorities. Unitary authorities (other than Auckland Council) may also submit as part of a grouping, but regional councils may not.

To ensure the right scale and focus, these groupings must represent a majority of either: the directly affected territorial authorities, or the population across directly affected districts.

All proposals must be to establish a new unitary authority.

Proposals will be evaluated across five criteria:

  • deliverability
  • supports the new planning system
  • simplifies local governance
  • economies of scale
  • maintains local voice.

The Government has indicated that detailed financial analysis and community consultation would take place if a proposal is successful.

Any council that chooses not to submit a Head Start proposal, or has a proposal rejected by the Government, will fall into the ‘Back Stop’ process with limited ability to influence local government reform. Details of what the back stop process will look like is still being worked through by the Government.

Click here to read more information about Head Start from central government.

But we do know there are a number of options to consider. Each will likely come with trade‑offs for local voice, representation, cost, and how closely decisions reflect local needs.

It’s a big decision and that’s why we’re talking with our communities before we submit any proposal and before we make any formal decisions about what it should include.


Champions don't rush to the finish line without a game plan. We're taking the time to understand the options, listen to our communities, and make sure any future proposal reflects what matters most to Waipā.

There are a few conditions attached to the Head Start pathway:

  • Two or more local councils (not regional council) are required to work together on the proposal, and the proposal can incorporate other councils jurisdictions, whether they agree with the proposal or not.
  • Head Start proposals would be in place for the 2028 elections. Those that choose not to be part of the Head Start pathway will continue through to the 2028 elections, under the Back Stop process. This involves the Government reorganising existing councils into unitary authorities.

The options

  • Option A

    A ‘One Waikato’ approach combining all 11 Waikato councils into one to deliver all regional and district council functions.

    Open full-size map 

  • Option B

    A unitary authority based on the existing Future Proof growth council boundaries.

    This would see Hamilton City, Waikato District, Matamata-Piako District and Waipā combine to deliver all regional and district council functions.

    Open full-size map 

  • Option C

    Partnering with our Waikato Waters shareholding councils, plus Taupō

    This would see Matamata-Piako, Hauraki, Ōtorohanga, Waitomo, South Waikato, Waipā and Taupō form one council.

    Open full-size map 

  • Option D

    Championing two unitary authorities based on river catchments:

    • A Waikato/Waipā catchment unitary authority, potentially including Taupō, South Waikato, Ōtorohanga, Waitomo, Waipā, Hamilton City and Waikato districts.
    • A Waihou–Piako catchment unitary authority covering the eastern part of the Waikato region, potentially including Matamata-Piako, Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel districts, along with parts of South Waikato District.
    Open full-size map 

  • Option E

    Do nothing. Council does not put forward a proposal and continues in its current form for now.

    Change would still follow through the government’s compulsory backstop process after the 2028 elections.

    Open full-size map 

What do you think?

We want to hear what's most important to you. Your feedback will inform our thinking. Feedback closes on Sunday, June 28.

Knowns and unknowns

  • What we know

    • There will be an emphasis on creating regional unitary authorities.
    • Under the proposed reforms, regional councillors would no longer be elected from 2028. But all of the functions of current regional councils remain. Further details about governance arrangements are expected to be set out in future legislation.

  • What we don’t know

    • Many of the details of any future arrangement are not yet known. The Head Start process requires councils to submit a high-level proposal within a short timeframe, with more detailed analysis and design work to follow if a proposal progresses.
    • Future direction could shift if there was a change in government or political appetite for reform changes.

Our thoughts

Waipā is the Home of Champions – a high-performing, fast-growing district with a strong sense of identity and an important role in the Waikato's success. While we see opportunities in working more closely with our regional neighbours, there are important questions to consider about local voice, representation and how decisions are made.

  • That's why we want to hear from you before deciding what proposal to submit. The choices we make now could shape local government in Waipā for generations to come.
  • The timeframe given by the Government is tight, the issues are complex and we are having to work at pace to meet the Sunday, August 9 deadline.
  • A workshop was held with Elected Members at the first opportunity to prompt the initial thinking for coming together with other councils. As a result, they signalled a single Waikato unitary authority as their initial preferred option for further exploration under the Government’s ‘Head Start’ local government reform process.

Decision-making principles

Alongside the Government’s five criteria, we have developed our own decision-making principles to reflect what matters most to our communities. We will use these to guide our thinking as we consider future options.