HEAD START - PUBLIC QUESTIONNAIRE

Ōtorohanga District Council and Waitomo District Council have agreed to prepare a Head Start outline proposal exploring whether the two councils should join together as a single council. No final decision has been made. The Government has directed that the number of Councils in NZ be reduced.  If Councils do not achieve this by themselves, they have advised that they will do it to us.

We are seeking early community feedback to help shape the proposal, understand local views and preferences, identify opportunities, risks and alternatives, and inform the “other considerations” section of the proposal.

Because the Government only gave councils three months to develop a Head Start proposal, this engagement is targeted with little time for feedback. There will be further engagement/consultation before March 2027 if the proposal progresses. 

Privacy Statement

The feedback you provide will be used by Ōtorohanga District Council and Waitomo District Council to help inform the development of the Head Start outline proposal and understand community views. Responses may be analysed and reported in summary form. Personal information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and will only be used for the purpose of this project. Individual responses will not be publicly attributed without your permission.


1.  

Before today, how much had you heard about the Head Start proposal for Ōtorohanga and Waitomo District Councils?

2.  

Overall, what is your initial view on Ōtorohanga and Waitomo District Councils exploring joining together as a single council?

Maximum 9,000 characters

0/9,000

Maximum 9,000 characters

0/9,000

Please share any concerns or issues you think should be carefully considered as part of this process.
5.  

How important are the following matters when considering whether the two councils should join together?

a) Keeping strong local voice and local representation and providing local identity
b) Protecting the identity of local towns, rural communities, marae and settlements
c) Maintaining or improving council services
d) Keeping rates and fees affordable
e) Making better use of staff, systems, assets and resources
f) Improving long-term financial sustainability
g) Having stronger capability to manage infrastructure, growth, climate and resilience challenges
h) Strengthening iwi/Māori partnerships and Treaty settlement arrangements
i) Making council decision-making simpler and more effective
j) Improving advocacy with central government and regional partners
6.  

What information would you need before forming a firmer view?

Tick all that apply
7.  

What alternatives should the councils consider alongside amalgamation?

8.  

Age group

9.  

Where do you live?