‘We have to be in the driver’s seat’: Mackenzie mayor plans proactive approach to local government reform

Friday, 15 May 2026

Mackenzie District mayor Scott Aronsen said it was important his council was “in the driver’s seat” when it came to the local government reforms.

A plan to move quickly to tackle the Government’s Head Start reform was discussed by Mackenzie District councillors, who agreed to take a proactive approach to the proposed changes aimed at simplifying local government.

The Government announced the initiative on May 5 and gave councils just 90 days to prepare proposals for how local government functions might look in the district.

The initiative aimed to streamline council processes and replace councils with unitary authorities.

At a council workshop on Tuesday, Mackenzie mayor Scott Aronsen said it was important the district took an active role in the process.

“It’s really important to me, as mayor, that I, and you guys are up front. We’re not going to be sitting back … we have to be in the driver’s seat.

The Mackenzie District Council building in Fairlie.

“We will be front-footing this … because I don’t want our voice or our representation to be lost.”

Councils that chose not to present a proposal would be subject to compulsory “Back Stop”, a forced restructuring to be implemented after the 2028 local government elections.

Aronsen said he had already begun discussions with other councils about their approaches to the initiative.

“I already have consensus from Timaru … I’ve also spoken to Waimate and spoken to Ashburton mayors as well.

“The general consensus is that right throughout Canterbury, none of us want to be in the Back Stop position.”

He said further meetings with Waitaki, Waimate, Timaru and Ashburton councils were planned for May 20.

Mackenzie mayor Scott Aronsen, back row second from left, said he had already been talking to mayors of neighbouring districts. He is pictured with the Canterbury Mayoral Forum members, back row from left, Liz McMillan (Ashburton), Aronsen, Dan Gordon (Waimakariri), Craig Mackle (Kaikōura), Phil Mauger (Christchurch), Lydia Gliddon (Selwyn). Front row from left: Craig Rowley (Waimate), Marie Black (Hurunui), Nigel Bowen (Timaru), Deon Swiggs (Canterbury Regional Council), Melanie Tavendale (Waitaki).

Aronsen also discussed the uncertainty of the initiative, particularly around spatial and long-term planning.

“I’ve got concerns around the Regional Spatial Plan … district plan reviews cost us a truckload of money.”

The council’s chief executive, Angela Oosthuizen, said costs associated with the initiative would ultimately fall on ratepayers, and questioned whether central government would provide support.

“Where’s the regulatory relief … are they going to assist councils with some funding?” Oosthuizen asked.

Mackenzie District Council chief executive Angela Oosthuizen questioned whether there would financial support from central government.

“I know we’re in a physically constrained environment in New Zealand, but so are our ratepayers.”

Despite concerns, councillors agreed there was value in engaging early to ensure the district’s interests were represented.

“We have been given an opportunity … we often talk about the Mackenzie flavour, but I think it’s an opportunity to put our touch to it,” councillor Phillipa Guerin said.

Pukaki ward councillor Jan Spriggs agreed, and said the council should take an active role rather than wait for decisions to be imposed.

“We really should be embracing the Head Start and … make the decisions for ourselves and get involved, rather than having it done to us.”

Ministers Simon Watt and Chris Bishop announce the Head Start initiative.

Aronsen said further clarity was needed around how the policy would be implemented, and whether it could change after the next general election.

“One thing … we’re not going to do is we’re not going to go down this path, and then in November, if we have a change of government all of a sudden be side-swiped with another change.”

He said the council would not tolerate any change of direction by an opposing party in the general election, because it costs the ratepayers money.”

Oosthuizen said the council would engage with the community and stakeholders to form its proposal.

“We’re going to have to get together and understand what success looks like for our communities. We’re going to have to think about the different options and different groups.”

Head Start was announced by National MPs Chris Bishop and Simon Wattas a way to simplify local government.

That would be achieved through Resource Management Act reform and restructuring councils into unitary authorities, combining regional and territorial planning while removing duplicated regulatory roles.

“We’re giving councils real flexibility. Proposals should focus on creating larger, more efficient unitary authorities that streamline functions, reduce duplication and improve decision-making,” Bishop said, at the time.

Watt issued a challenge to all local governments; “Lead your own reform, or we will do it for you”.

Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air