24 Sept 2026: Head Start reforms process delayed
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Delay of local government reforms Head Start process
Enquiry
Reporter sought comment from Mayor Tania Tapsell on the government’s announcement today that decisions on Head Start local reforms proposals will be delayed until after the General Election in November
Response
From Mayor Tania Tapsell:
"It's cruel to pause their decision at such a late hour when Councils across the country were pushed to propose how they will merge their regions in only three months.
"This whole process has caused immeasurable stress for our communities and our Councils who've been distracted by the threat of mergers across districts, only to have Cabinet unable to make a final decision.
"Government leaders need to be clear where they stand on Council mergers before the election. This pause seems like they weren't brave enough to make the changes now, and it would be unforgivable if they think they can then just merge us as they wish after being elected.
"In the Bay of Plenty region only one local Council out of six was not supportive of going head start where we'd seek to deliver more affordable and efficient services. It's a real shame that Cabinet didn't have the courage to allow us to start this work after all they've put us through."
