The future of Taupō District

Taupō Mayor John Funnell

OPINION: Five weeks ago, local government reform was a slow-moving Central Government project. It focused on reducing the number of local authorities by removing regional councils and folding their functions into district and city councils. 

By Taupō District Mayor John Funnell 

On 5 May, that all changed. Government ministers unexpectedly released a statement saying councils across the country had three months to put forward a proposal to amalgamate with others in their region. If they didn’t, or couldn’t do that, the Government would do it for them. Minister Chris Bishop told RNZ his message to councils was “reform, or we will do it for you”.  

Now, our council and others have a 9 August deadline to come up with possible amalgamation options. Of all the Government changes that have been thrown at local government in the eight short months since I became mayor, this is by far the biggest and with the most far-reaching consequences. 

But this challenge is not about me, my fellow councillors, or even the council itself. It affects the people who live here, raise families here, run businesses here and call the Taupō District home. 

At this stage, there is a number of scenarios before us. They range from a single regional unitary authority made up of several councils covering a whole region, right through to choosing not to submit a proposal now and waiting for Government to decide for us in 2028. 

Your councillors and I need your input as we consider whether to submit a proposal to Government, and with who. It will help shape the options we consider and the position we take on your behalf. Is your priority retaining our local voice? Rates affordability? Financial sustainability? Please make sure you go to our community survey to have your say. 

Let me be clear however – whether we put forward a proposal or the Government steps in later, change is coming. It will affect how you are represented, the decisions that are made and where; and who delivers the council services you rely on.  

The Government claims this will also lead to less duplication and more efficiency. There is ongoing debate about how this will play out in practice. 

I encourage you to keep up with what is happening in this space. You can find more information at taupo.govt.nz/ourfuture. Please make sure you complete the community survey too – the link is on the council’s web page and closes at 11.30pm on Wednesday 17 June. 

Please be assured that despite the shortness of time to respond and the rushed timeframe for reform, your councillors and I are working hard to find the best outcome for the Taupō District and its people.