18526 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

18526 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: What reports or communications, if any, has the Minister received regarding partnerships or amalgamation discussions between Canterbury local authorities and other councils, and what do those reports indicate about the status of such arrangements?

Hon Simon Watts: I have not received any reports or communications regarding amalgamation discussions between Canterbury local authorities and other councils. In relation to reports or communications concerning partnerships between Canterbury local authorities and other councils, I refer the member to the response to written parliamentary question 18520 (2026). These reports indicate that discussions in the Canterbury region are at an early stage.