Stratford backs two-council proposal for Taranaki's future

South Taranaki and Stratford District Councillors voted this week to support a proposal for two unitary councils covering Taranaki as part of the Government’s Head Start pathway for simplifying local government.

The preferred option was for the South Taranaki District Council and Stratford District Council to amalgamate to form one unitary authority which takes on both district council and regional council functions for southern and central Taranaki.

South Taranaki District Mayor Phil Nixon says the decision reflects a strong and consistent message from the south and central Taranaki communities, iwi partners and key stakeholders that local voice, local decision-making, and local control over the services provided must be protected through any future local government changes.

“Our community has been very clear. People understand change is coming, but they do not want south or central Taranaki’s voice to be lost in a single, region-wide council,” says Mayor Nixon.

Mayor Nixon’s comments were supported by strong community feedback which saw 1,392 responses being received through South Taranaki’s Head Start survey, with an overwhelming 94% supporting a two-council model. Stratford District Council’s survey reflected similar results with 83% of the 633 responses also supporting a two-council model.

“This decision gives us a clear position to take into the next stage of the Head Start process. It supports change where change is required, but it also recognises that Taranaki is not one single community with one set of needs, priorities or interests.”

Stratford District Mayor Neil Volzke says the two Councils’ preferred model is a balanced approach.

“It would simplify local government in Taranaki, while keeping decision-making closer to the communities most affected by those decisions. We believe a Stratford and South Taranaki unitary council would better reflect the needs of our rural and smaller-town communities, while still allowing regional functions to be managed in a coordinated way where that makes sense. As we develop our proposal we want to continue to work collaboratively with New Plymouth District Council and the Taranaki Regional Council to ensure that existing regional functions that need to continue being delivered regionally, will be.”

The Government’s Head Start pathway gives councils until 9 August 2026 to submit outline proposals for new unitary councils. Unitary councils combine the responsibilities currently carried out by district or city councils and regional councils.

Mayors Nixon and Volzke stressed their Councils’ decision does not create a new council or make any immediate changes to services, rates, representation, or staffing.

This is about confirming our preferred option so we can continue to work together to develop an outline proposal that we will submit to Government by 9 August. Any proposal would still need to be considered by Government, and there would be a great deal of further work, analysis and engagement before any final decisions are made.

“We recognise that New Plymouth District Council has been considering its own position in relation to local government reform and we remain committed to maintaining a constructive regional dialogue and to working collaboratively on matters where a regional approach will deliver the best outcomes for the people of Taranaki,” says Mayor Volzke.