Horizons gone in proposed shake-up

Horizons gone in proposed shake-up

In a proposed shake-up of local government, Horizons Regional Council would be gone.

The central government reforms – described as a once-in-a-generation overhaul – propose to reshape the local government sector so that 11 regional councils, including Horizons, would be replaced with combined territory boards (CTBs). If adopted, CTBs will be made up of mayors from each district and city council in the region who will take over regional council duties, including environmental management, transport planning, civil defence and Treaty settlement responsibilities.

“Getting this fix right will create a strong future for regional service delivery and, if done well, create an environment where we can achieve even more with our communities through collaboration thanks to enabling legislation."

Horizons chair Nikki Riley

“We are facing a scale of reform unlike anything local government has seen for decades. But even as that tsunami arrives, our commitment remains the same – to stay focused on our community’s needs, remain open to new ways of working, and make sure we don’t become so swamped by change that we miss the big opportunities ahead."

Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden

Horizons Regional Council chair Nikki Riley, who would lose her job if the reforms were implemented, is upbeat. She says they present a opportunity to address long-term issues and create positive outcomes for communities.

“The calls for local government reform have been loud, consistent and come from many different parties – including from regional and unitary councils.”

However, she says any change should be in collaboration with regional and unitary councils, given their experience with regional-scale delivery of key services.

“Regional and unitary councils have significant experience in delivering pest control, flood resilience, emergency management, biosecurity and more.”

Nikki says there are multiple examples of this in the Horizons region, like flood protection projects recently completed in the Manawatū, Palmerston North, Rangitīkei, Horowhenua and Whanganui regions. Research shows these activities provide the best economic outcomes when delivered at a regional scale, she says.

“Some of the best work we do is in partnership with our communities, outside of the complicated and cumbersome legislation we legally must enforce on behalf of central government.

“Much of the complexity in local government comes from the legislation we operate under. I applaud this government for recognising that and for trying to fix it through its resource management reform programme.

“Getting this fix right will create a strong future for regional service delivery and, if done well, create an environment where we can achieve even more with our communities through collaboration thanks to enabling legislation.

“We remain focused on achieving the best outcomes for everyone who lives, works and plays in the Horizons region. This focus will not change, no matter what the future model for regional services delivery ends up being.”

Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden says the announcement is part of a much wider “wave” of reforms that will shape how councils operate over coming years.

“We are facing a scale of reform unlike anything local government has seen for decades. But even as that tsunami arrives, our commitment remains the same – to stay focused on our community’s needs, remain open to new ways of working, and make sure we don’t become so swamped by change that we miss the big opportunities ahead.

“Right now, nothing changes for Horowhenua. Our services continue as normal, and we will take the time needed to understand the proposal fully. If there are opportunities to deliver better value, stronger outcomes or more efficient services for our community, then we need to explore those with an open mind.”

The announcement lands parallel with other reforms affecting local government, including the System Improvements Bill, rates capping proposals, resource management replacement legislation, and the continued rollout of new water entities under Local Water Done Well.

“Taken together, this is a defining moment for the future of local government,” Bernie says. “Our job is to stay steady, open to change, whilst ensuring we position Horowhenua to seize the opportunities ahead.”

Each region will be required to prepare a regional reorganisation plan within two years. These plans could consider shared services, joint delivery models, or more substantial changes, such as amalgamation.

The proposal has been released this week with a public consultation period closing February 20. The government expects the legislation to be introduced mid-2026 and effective by 2027.