Central Government wants to remove regional councillors and instead have all the mayors in a region work together as one team to make regional decisions. This proposal poses serious risks for future environment-focussed decision making.
Detailed information about the proposal can be found here: Simplifying Local Government Proposal and the deadline for feedback is 20 February.
ENM have prepared a draft submission opposing the proposal. We have attached a copy to:
- Invite input or revisions from our community
- Invite all who support the submission to add their signature, or logo
- Encourage you to prepare your own submission – feel free to copy any of the text, or use the ideas presented if they resonate with you.
If you have any feedback, questions or want to add your logo in support of the submission, email manager@enm.org.nz by Monday 9 February 2026.
In summary: Environment Network Manawatū strongly oppose the Proposal as currently designed. We believe it risks:
- weakening regional environmental leadership
- reducing democratic accountability
- centralising power in ways that undermine local stewardship
- marginalising community and iwi voices
- and ultimately degrading environmental outcomes.
If the government’s objective is genuinely to improve environmental protection, community wellbeing, and local democracy, this proposal needs fundamental rethinking.
Read the draft Submission by Environment Network Manawatū on the Simplifying Local Government Proposal here
Coffee & Advocacy: Simplifying Local Govt
5:30pm Tuesday Jan 27 at ENM Office, 145 Cuba St, PN Join us to discuss the issues this proposal raises, provide feedback on ENM’s draft submission, and learn from each other about how to make impactful submissions.
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