Local government shake-up feedback deadlines loom

Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Chris Bishop, the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, with copies of the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill at the Beehive late last year.

The window of opportunity will soon close for people to give feedback on what has been described as once-in-a-generation local government reform.

The consultation deadlines for the Government’s wide-ranging three-part suite of reforms close progressively over the course of this month.

Announced towards the end of last year, proposed changes could affect councils’ ability to increase rates above a defined threshold, local authorities’ planning remit, and the structure and function of all the regional councils.

Consultation on the first proposal, rates capping, closes soon, with some councils aiming to get submissions lodged this week.

The Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill have been discussed at a launch at the Beehive late last year.

Announced in early December, Local Government Minister Simon Watts said at the time rates increases could be limited to within a range of 2 to 4% a year. If passed, the legislation would be enacted this year, to take effect next year. Consultation was targeted, to include local authorities. It was expected there would be a further opportunity to submit on the issue when the legislation was put before Parliament later this year.

The second consultation period, relating to proposed planning reform, would close next week. The relevant legislation, the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill, had already passed its first reading, and was expected to be passed into law this year and come into effect next year.

These two bills, if passed, would replace the Resource Management Act. They were currently going through the select committee process. Councils, iwi, environmental groups, farmers and others could provide feedback on the proposals. The closing date for submissions, through the Parliamentary website, was 4.30pm on Friday, February 13.

The final consultation deadline related to the proposed reform of regional councils. At present, 67 local authorities across New Zealand existed alongside 11 regional councils. The regional councils managed things such as environmental issues, transport planning, and civil defence.

The reform proposed replacing regional councillors with a new structure called a combined territories board (CTB), formed by local mayors. The CTB would lead regional issues, largely taking over the current regional council’s functions and roles. It would also develop a plan for how councils could work together better.

People could make submissions on this proposal through the Department of Internal Affair’s website by Friday, February 20.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.