Tauranga residents have expressed strong support for major local government reform, including potential council mergers and the creation of a single Bay of Plenty council.

An independently conducted survey released by Tauranga City Council revealed that of the 1338 residents surveyed, more than 78% supported reducing the number of councils through mergers, while more than 85% backed the idea of a single council serving the wider Bay of Plenty region if it could deliver efficiencies, simpler governance and savings for ratepayers.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council emerged as Tauranga residents’ preferred merger partner, with more than 54% of respondents selecting it as their first choice, Tauranga City Council said today.

Whakatāne District Council was the next most preferred option.

The independently conducted survey was carried out between June 15 and July 1 as part of the Simplifying Local Government programme.

The programme requires councils nationwide to consider future governance arrangements, with councils able to submit high-level proposals through the Government’s “Head Start” pathway by August 9.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the survey showed strong public support for councils taking a lead role in shaping any future changes.

“More than 79% of people said they would prefer us to work alongside neighbouring councils to help design that future, rather than have change imposed by central government,” Drysdale said.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale. Photo / Alex Cairns

The survey found more than 78% of respondents supported reducing the number of councils through mergers, while more than 85% backed the idea of a single council serving the wider Bay of Plenty region if it delivered efficiencies, simpler governance and savings for ratepayers.

The results also highlighted support for closer collaboration between Tauranga City Council and neighbouring authorities.

Drysdale said the survey reflected the strong connections that already exist across the Western Bay sub-region.

“Our communities across the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region are closely connected, with people crossing council boundaries every day for work, education, recreation and essential services,” he said.

“Many residents already see Tauranga and the Western Bay as one community, which I think is reflected in these survey results.”

When asked about priorities for any future local government arrangement, respondents identified keeping rates low, efficient delivery of council services, and effective infrastructure provision as the most important factors.

Drysdale said the feedback would help guide ongoing discussions with neighbouring councils as they consider future governance options.

“This isn’t about one council taking over another. It’s about working together to design something new that delivers better outcomes for our communities,” he said.

The council will continue discussions over the coming weeks before deciding whether to submit a proposal before the Government’s August deadline.

Any proposal submitted would still require Government approval. Councils would then have until March 2027 to develop a full plan, with any changes to local government structures taking effect after the 2028 local body elections.

Drysdale said the council would continue to keep residents informed as the process progresses.

“These are important decisions that will shape how local government is structured and operates across our region for decades to come,” he said.