Rangitīkei District Council keeps amalgamation options open

The proposed approach reflects feedback received from the community and work undertaken by Council to assess the different amalgamation options available to Rangitīkei.

Earlier this month, Council shared the results of its "Rangitīkei at the Table" engagement, where 84% of respondents supported Council participating in the Government's Head Start process. Just as importantly, residents consistently told Council they wanted local representation protected if local government structures were to change.

“Our community was very clear that they want Rangitīkei to have a seat at the table. They were equally clear that local representation and retaining Rangitīkei voice in any future partnership matters,” says Rangitīkei Mayor, Andy Watson.

“Submitting a letter of intent allows us to participate constructively in the Government’s process without committing to a single model, allows us to further engage with our community and complete work needed to properly assess all of the options.”

Since the engagement period closed, Council has been assessing options against the Government’s criteria and Council’s strategic direction. This includes each option's ability to maintain local voice, simplify local government, achieve benefits from a bigger organisation, support economic growth, is practical to implement, and sustainable over the long term.

“Testing options against the community's and Council’s priorities is exactly what we told residents we would do after consultation closed – and that’s what we’ve done,” adds Mayor Andy.

“We are fortunate to have several realistic partnership opportunities available to us. Rather than rushing to select one, we believe it is in the district’s best interests to continue exploring these options carefully alongside our neighbouring councils, iwi partners, and our communities.

When the reforms were first announced, councils were advised that those choosing not to participate in Head Start would have little influence over future local government arrangements. More recent conversations indicate there may be opportunities to explore alternative options through the Government's backstop process, working collaboratively with other councils.

Rangitīkei District Council believes submitting a Letter of Intent is a constructive way to remain engaged while preserving flexibility as more information becomes available.

“The Letter of Intent will highlight Council’s ongoing commitment to finding opportunities to collaborate, improve efficiencies and strengthen our services in the short to medium term, while ensuring any longer-term governance arrangements genuinely reflect what is best for Rangitīkei,” says Mayor Andy.

"This is not the end of the conversation - it's the next step. We will continue working alongside our neighbouring councils and the Government to ensure the best possible outcome for Rangitīkei. When the time comes to make a decision about the future of local government in Rangitīkei, our communities will remain at the centre of that process."