35823 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

Written Question

Published date: 23 Aug 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	35823 (2026)
Question asked:	10 Aug 2026
Member asking:	Tangi Utikere
Portfolio:	Minister of Local Government
Minister replying:	Hon Simon Watts
Answer received:	18 Aug 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_35823_2026
Document guid:	1a90a101-054f-45e8-8747-b54f20cc524c

35823 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: What analysis, if any, has he commissioned or received on the projected effect of amalgamation on rates in each affected district, and will he release it before Cabinet makes decisions in September 2026?

Hon Simon Watts: I have not any commissioned or received any analysis on the projected effect of amalgamation on rates in each affected district. Head Start will establish fewer layers of local government –meaning simpler, more aligned planning and decision making across regions, and more efficient service delivery.