Rangitīkei at the Table – we asked, this is what you told us.

The result comes following the Council’s recent survey, which invited residents to share their views on the Government’s Simplifying Local Government reform. A total of 333 people completed the survey, representing about 2% of the district’s population.

Image 1: Graphs showing how the 333 survey respondents responded to questions 1-3 of Rangitīkei District Councils 'Rangitīkei at the Table' survey.

While respondents expressed different views on what future council structures could look like, there was strong agreement on what
Council should advocate for if it progresses a Head Start proposal.

Residents said protecting local representation should be the highest priority. They want to ensure rural communities continue to have a strong voice in decision-making, understand the financial implications of any future changes, maintain their access to council services, and preserve the identity and character that makes Rangitīkei a great place to live.

With local representation emerging as the strongest theme, 69% of respondents said they would like representation at either a town or ward level if local government structures were to change. The feedback highlights the importance residents place on having local input into the decisions that impact rural communities.

Image 2: Graphs showing how 333 survey respondents responded to questions 4 and 6 of Rangitīkei District Council's 'Rangitīkei at the Table' survey.

When asked which councils Rangitīkei should partner with, there was no clear consensus.

The ‘whole region’ option including all councils in the Manawatū-Whanganui (Horizons) region received support from 27% of respondents, closely followed by ‘go West’ (amalgamating with Whanganui and Ruapehu) at 26%, and ‘go rural’ (amalgamating with all district councils in the
region) at 23%.

Image 3: Graphs showing how 333 survey respondents responded to question 5 of Rangitīkei District Council's 'Rangitīkei at the Table' survey.

Rangitīkei Mayor, Andy Watson thanked everyone who took the time to share their views, saying the feedback has given Council an understanding of what matters most to the district as it considers its next steps.

“Thank you to everyone who completed the survey, attended one of our public meetings or shared their thoughts with us online.

“The message from our community is clear. If local government is going to change, our residents and ratepayers want to know how decisions affecting rural communitites will continue to be made locally, what the financial impacts will be, and whether they’ll still be able to access core council services close to home.”

The survey findings will help guide discussions with neighbouring councils as Mayor Andy, Councillors and staff consider which amalgamation option(s) best protect the interests of Rangitīkei residents, are practical and efficient to deliver, and support the district's long-term future.

“Our responsibility now is to test every option against what our community has told us and make sure Rangitīkei has a seat at the table as these reforms are being shaped,” adds Mayor Andy.

Council will make a decision on how to progress at its meeting on 30th July, with any Head Start Proposal required to be submitted by Sunday 9 August. Any changes resulting from this process would not take effect before the 2028 local government elections.

Read more about Rangitīkei District Council’s approach to Simplifying Local Government:

Simplifying Local Government