Western Bay of Plenty District Council is now part of a proposal that will be considered by Government and could see a new council created across Tauranga and Western Bay.
The change follows a decision by Rotorua Lakes Council yesterday to jointly submit an eligible Head Start proposal alongside Tauranga City Council as part of the Government's Simplifying Local Government reform programme.
If approved by Government, the proposal could see Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council replaced by a new council responsible for both local and regional council functions across the Western Bay sub-region.
Although Western Bay councillors narrowly voted on 6 August not to submit a Head Start proposal, Rotorua's decision means that under the Head Start rules, eligible proposals will be in place that enable the wider Bay of Plenty approach to be assessed by Government.
The Bay of Plenty would then be covered by:
- A proposed ‘Western’ unitary council covering Tauranga and Western Bay.
- A proposed ‘Central’ unitary council covering Rotorua.
- A proposed ‘Eastern’ unitary council covering Kawerau, Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki.
"We acknowledge the decision of Rotorua Lakes Council and understand the desire of their elected members to do what is best for their district and the wider Bay of Plenty region,” says Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer.
"It will now be up to the Government to consider the proposal that has been submitted. Whatever that decision, as a council we will continue working to achieve the best outcomes for our communities."
The proposal, alongside others nationwide, will now be assessed by the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) before recommendations are provided to Ministers in September.
For more information visit: Simplifying Local Government - Western Bay of Plenty District Council
