MDC seeks community’s views on amalgamation priorities 

Masterton District Council is asking the community what matters most as changes to local government are considered across New Zealand.

Following the Government’s recent announcement of the Head Start programme for local government to encourage amalgamation of councils, the Council has launched a survey to find out the Masterton community’s priorities.

Mayor Bex Johnson says the survey provides an opportunity to help shape what the future of local governance looks like.

“Change is coming. Our job is to make sure Masterton’s voice is clear and well represented as those decisions are made,” Mayor Johnson says.

“This survey will give us a strong picture of what our community values most, so we can take that into the conversation.”

The Government’s Head Start pathway allows councils to work together and propose new structures ahead of wider changes that will be applied after 2028.

Mayor Johnson says the survey focuses on priorities rather than trying to design a final outcome.

“We are asking people what matters most to them. That includes issues like local decision-making, services, representation, and identity.”

Some questions ask people to rank a limited number of options.

“That’s deliberate,” Mayor Johnson says. “If everything matters, it becomes hard to make decisions. We are asking people to prioritise. If you’re in a situation and you have to choose what you want to save, what would they be for local government.

“That helps us understand what must be protected in any future model.”

The survey includes questions about how council services should be delivered in the future and which areas people are comfortable seeing managed at a larger regional level.

Mayor Johnson says the Council is being transparent with the community about the process.

“The Government will make the final decision about how councils are structured, but this survey will strengthen our ability to advocate for our community and reflect what people value.”

Results from the survey will be shared publicly and will help inform any proposals the Council may develop.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible. This is about our community and our future.”

The survey is available online (whatsup.mstn.govt.nz) and runs until Friday, 19 June. Hard copies are available at the Council offices at 27 Lincoln Road, and the Masterton District Library, 45 Chapel Street.

ENDS