The government has signalled that it wishes to reform local government.
In this article https://theconversation.com/a-major-overhaul-of-nzs-local-government-is-underway-will-it-really-fix-whats-broken-272424 it was reported:
The proposal would abolish regional councils and replace them with combined territorial boards made up of locally elected mayors. Voters would elect only one set of local representatives, rather than both territorial and regional councillors.
The new boards would take on the legal responsibilities of existing regional councils, while much of the regional bureaucracy would remain. Mayors on the boards would not have equal voting power; instead, votes would be weighted by population, with adjustments set by the Local Government Commission.
The proposal also allows – though not as a preferred option – for a Crown Commissioner to be appointed to a territorial boards. Depending on the circumstances, that commissioner could have no vote, a veto, or more than half of the weighted votes, to ensure national interests are taken into account.
The boards’ primary task would be to prepare a regional reorganisation plan within two years of establishment.
The Christchurch City Council made a presentation which is contained in this Council document Agenda of Policy and Planning Committee – Wednesday, 11 February 2026. The staff recommendation was accepted.
Submissions to the government proposals close on the 20th of February. We would like as many people to make submissions as possible. The next two weeks will give you some ideas for submissions.
Tuesday 10 February 5pm for 5.30 start in back room at Smash Palace:
The Council’s acting CE, Mary Richardson, has agreed to come and explain the government’s proposals and to take us through the CCC’s submission
Tuesday 17 February 5pm for 5.30 start in back room at Smash Palace:
Craig Pauling, former chair of ECan and now Green Party Candidate for Banks Peninsula will present, particularly from Regional Council perspective Facebook Event
As usual both will be livestreamed on our Facebook page, and later loaded onto our You Tube Channel
Make a submission here by 20 February
Green Party Submission Guide
So, see you at 5pm on Tuesday for a 5.30 start.
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