The Local Government Commission’s investigation is continuing in parallel with the Government’s recently announced Head Start Pathway, which gives councils in a region three months to form into unitary councils.
The Commission has been investigating the potential for local government reorganisation of the four Southland councils since July 2025, in response to a formal request by the Southland District Council for change (a two-unitary-council structure).
Environment Southland supports the investigation and from the start has been keen for all reorganisation options to be on the table.
During Phase 1 of its investigation, the Commission undertook consultation with the councils, stakeholders and the community to better understand what is working well in local government in Southland and what is not.
In May 2026 the Commission moved into Phase 2, which will include refining possible structural options.
The Local Government process differs from the Head Start Pathway, which has a preference for unitary councils and a much shorter timeframe.
