28846 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

Written Question

Published date: 30 Jun 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	28846 (2026)
Question asked:	16 Jun 2026
Member asking:	Tangi Utikere
Portfolio:	Minister of Local Government
Minister replying:	Hon Simon Watts
Answer received:	24 Jun 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_28846_2026
Document guid:	b98d8e65-ed12-48a0-a291-d7c8f1211e62

28846 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: Does the Minister hold any independent or peer-reviewed evidence that larger unitary authorities deliver services at lower cost than current arrangements; if so, what is it?

Hon Simon Watts: I have received advice on the increasing costs of preserving the status quo. Council reorganisation is about delivering services more effectively and efficiently, while reducing duplication and strengthening accountability.