26 November 2025
Government's announcement outlining the proposal to remove regional councils and create new regional “Combined Territory Boards” means there is no immediate change to how services are delivered in Tairāwhiti, as the Gisborne District Council already delivers both regional and district services as a unitary authority.
Council staff will review the detail of the proposal as more information becomes available, including the impact of the Government’s upcoming resource management legislation.
In the meantime, the Council will continue delivering all current responsibilities including consenting, flood protection, biosecurity, land and water management and regional transport planning, as usual.
Mayor Rehette Stoltz, who is Deputy Chair of the Regional Sector (the collective of regional and unitary councils) and Vice-President of Local Government New Zealand, says the announcement is the beginning of a much bigger national conversation.
“Local government is ready for constructive reform, and the priority has to be improving outcomes for our people and whenua. Independent analysis shows that the functions delivered by regional and unitary councils are most effective when managed at a regional scale.
“As a sector, we’ll be looking at the proposal closely to understand how any changes could strengthen – not weaken – the services our communities rely on.”
Mayor Stoltz says the Tairāwhiti context must be front and centre as decisions progress.
“We’re focused on ensuring our region’s voice is heard, and that any future system delivers better outcomes and better value.
“Managing land, water, climate resilience and catchment health is at the heart of our work.
“These services require deep local knowledge, strong iwi partnerships and the ability to respond quickly on the ground. Whatever system emerges must protect that capability.”