Maverick mayor hits out at Waikato 'super city' idea

Tuesday, 16 June 2026

Maverick mayor Ash Tanner thinks local government leaders shouldn’t be axed as amalgamation sweeps across the country.

The Matamata-Piako District leader, who is no stranger to criticising the Beehive on amalgamation, said an ‘Eastern Waikato’ unitary authority comprised of neighbouring districts with similar rural and provincial characteristics is the preferred option as the Government’s deadline approaches. The other option is a Waikato-wide authority, with both going out to community consultation.

Going against Government, however, Tanner added he would “ideally keep our governance structure with mayors to retain local voice and decision making”.

“Whether the Government accepts that model or not, that’s another thing,” he said.

“Do I think a super council with one mayor for the Waikato region and local boards out in provincial areas will deliver cost savings and retain proper local level voice and decision making? No.”

Local government minister Simon Watts told the Waikato Times it’s “important” to retain local voices through amalgamation. He added all proposals will be assessed against a criteria, including how well local voices are heard as well as how fairly communities are represented.

“Discussion on amalgamation is not a new phenomenon,” Watts said.

“It’s clear that the current system is not working. It is complex, duplicative and needs better alignment to the Government’s wider planning reforms.”

Councils across the country have until August 9 to submit a proposal. The example many have been presented with for amalgamation is the Auckland ‘super city council’ model, something Tanner hotly contests.

He said the labelling of Auckland Council as a “success story” is wrong, adding how the negatives far outweigh the positives.

“Everyone seems to forget local voice and influence is lost and don’t forget the estimated cost of $160 million. That was 15 years ago… imagine the cost today.

“The infrastructure commission finding in 2022 said there is no evidence that larger councils are more efficient and councils should avoid spending time and resources on investigating options that will fail.”

There’s “no single model being prescribed”, Watts says, pointing to how the Head Start pathway is in place to provide an opportunity for councils to craft ideas for what they think is best.

He added Auckland Council’s conception has been “critical to the region’s growth and development”, pointing to the $2 billion dollars in rates saved between 2010-2020, according to council estimates.

“The Head Start pathway gives councils the opportunity and flexibility to put forward proposals to progress their reorganisation ideas,” Watts said.

“This is a voluntary, streamlined process for councils that are ready to get on with the job.”