33038 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

33038 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: How many regional deal proposals have been received by the government as at 4 July 2025, listed by date of receipt, and status/outcome?

Hon Simon Watts: As of 4 July 2025, the Government had received 18 submissions for light-touch proposals. Three proposals proceeded to the memorandum of understanding stage of the programme—Auckland, Western Bay of Plenty, and Otago Central Lakes. Deal negotiations with these regions are ongoing. The remaining 15 proposals will be considered as a part of future City and Regional Deal processes. These proposals were received from the following regions: Coastal Otago, Eastern Bay of Plenty, South Manawatū, Rotorua – Taupō, Taranaki, Upper Manawatū-Whanganui, Northland, Southland, Central Otago, Marlborough, Auckland, Gisborne, Upper South Island, Waikato, West Coast, Hawke's Bay, and Chatham Islands. 17 proposals were received on 28 February 2025. Western Bay of Plenty’s proposal was received on 26 February 2025.