West Coast Local Government Reform – Head Start
What is Head Start?
Head Start is a Government programme that gives councils an opportunity to develop and test proposals for future local government arrangements ahead of the wider local government reform process. The West Coast has been exploring whether a single unitary council could provide a more sustainable and effective model of local government for the region.
Government information
The following Government documents provide more information about Head Start and the process councils are required to follow:
Community engagement
During June and July 2026, the West Coast councils undertook community engagement to hear what communities value about local government, what could be improved and what should be considered for the future. This feedback helped inform the development of the West Coast Head Start Outline Proposal.
Engagement documents
- West Coast Local Government Reform Discussion Document
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Community Engagement Feedback
Outline Proposal
Following community engagement, an Outline Proposal was developed for consideration by the West Coast councils. The proposal is to explore a single unitary council for the whole West Coast through the Head Start programme.
Westland District Council and Grey District Council have supported progressing the proposal for submission to Government. Buller District Council has chosen not to participate in Head Start; however, the proposal continues to cover the whole West Coast.
Submission of the Outline Proposal is not a decision to establish a new council. If accepted by Government, the next stage will enable the detailed work required to develop and assess the proposed model.
Proposal documents
