Proposal to amalgamate with Kaikōura District Council

Overview

The Government's Head Start initiative, part of its Simplifying Local Government reforms, provides councils with an opportunity to explore locally-led options for future local government structures.

Kaikōura District Council decided on 15 July that its preference is to develop a joint Head Start proposal with Marlborough District Council to create a single unitary council covering both districts. Although Marlborough is already a unitary council and not required to participate in the Head Start process, our Councillors must decide soon whether or not to develop a joint amalgamation proposal with Kaikōura.

In our first survey about this in early July, the Marlborough community was generally positive or neutral about a possible council merger. Concerns were raised about maintaining strong local representation, the protection of Marlborough's identity, increased costs and debt, the quality of infrastructure and the provision of emergency management.

Please note that there will be a full, formal public consultation on any merger proposal, should the Government support the Head Start amalgamation proposal, most likely in the early part of 2027. 

Before you participate in this survey, you may wish to read some background information and frequently asked questions about this process:

Marlborough District Council: Simplifying Local Government 

Kaikōura District Council: Simplifying Local Government - Reforms 2026