Council votes not to amalgamate

Christchurch City Council will propose to keep its boundaries as they are and become a unitary authority under the Government’s Head Start Pathway reform process.

The Council voted today to

form a unitary authority, absorbing Environment Canterbury’s functions. Under the reform, regional councillors will not be re-elected as of 2028.

An option to amalgamate into a Greater Christchurch metro unitary​, which would have seen Christchurch join metro Selwyn, metro Waimakariri and absorb Environment Canterbury functions was first considered by the Council, but was not approved. 

Mayor Phil Mauger had proposed the Greater Christchurch option and said he was disappointed it had failed to gain support from councillors, as he believed it was the best option for Christchurch and the region. 

“However, I’m pleased we are at the Head Start table with our proposal. It’s now up to us to join with our neighbours and the Government to work out the best way forward for our region. Change at this scale is never easy and I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made today.” 

View a recording of today’s meeting here.

The Council has been exploring options for the amalgamation of local government since May, when the Government asked councils to submit voluntary proposals for re-organisation. 

The Mayor and Councillors had unanimously agreed on Tuesday 4 August to participate in the Government’s voluntary process to reorganise local government. 

The Council’s proposal must be submitted to the Government by 9 August 2026. Cabinet will decide in September if the proposal will progress.  

Next steps in the Head Start Pathway process: 

• Cabinet to review proposals in September 2026. 
• Accepted proposals move into detailed design phase from October 2026 to March 2027. 
• Cabinet final approval in May 2027. 
• Legislation to reform local government will be implemented before local body elections in October 2028. 
• In regions where no proposal is submitted or accepted, an interim process will be in place from the 2028 elections. 

More information on Christchurch City Council’s response to the Head Start Pathway is available at ccc.govt.nz/headstartpathway.