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Further to his reply to Written Question 32122, why has the government proceeded with requiring councils to amalgamate despite no estimates of the potential costs to councils?

Answered Question 33026 (2026)
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Asked by

Tamatha Paul

Member for Wellington Central · Green Party

Question

  • Further to his reply to Written Question 32122, why has the government proceeded with requiring councils to amalgamate despite no estimates of the potential costs to councils?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

Because the government's voluntary Headstart process allows councils to decide the shape of their proposals, including which councils they comprise, representation, and how they manage services such as transport. The cost of any proposal depends on what they choose.