Simplifying Local Government is the Government progressing reform of local government focussed on improving the effectiveness, affordability and long-term sustainability of councils and local services across New Zealand.

The Government’s reforming local government, and has given us a tight timeframe to work through this.

In May it announced councils had two options:

1. Take the voluntary Head Start pathway, where they work with at least one other neighbouring territorial council to submit an outline proposal by 9 August on how they can simplify and reduce duplication, while maintaining local voice.

2. They could wait and have the backstop process applied to it by Government.

We're working with Napier, Hastings and Wairoa and considering what’s best for Central Hawke’s Bay.

Initial feedback closed 12 July.

Central Hawke's Bay District Council, alongside the other Hawke's Bay councils, is considering the Government’s announcement and what it may mean for our community.

This includes understanding:

• the Government’s proposed process and timeframes

• what participation in the voluntary Head Start pathway may involve

• possible options for governance, representation and service delivery

• what future community engagement or decision-making processes may be required.

Two themes have emerged as important in Council's thinking so far:

1. We are interested in lowering the cost of delivering services.
2. Any future options need to retain Central Hawke's Bay's identity and provide for effective local decision making on issues important to the local community.