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What appeal, review or judicial oversight rights, if any, will a council or its residents have if Cabinet declines its Head Start proposal or imposes a different structure through the Back Stop process?

Answered Question 35790 (2026)
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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • What appeal, review or judicial oversight rights, if any, will a council or its residents have if Cabinet declines its Head Start proposal or imposes a different structure through the Back Stop process?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

There is no appeal or review process for Head Start, as it is a voluntary process intended for councils that are ready to move early. Councils are always able to consider judicial review of the Government’s decisions. Policy decisions regarding the design of the backstop have yet to be made.