Palmy residents invited to share feedback on possible council mergers

Published on 02 June 2026

We want to know what matters most to you and what you'd like local government to look like in the future. As we open conversations with nearby councils following the Government's recent "Head Start" announcement, we're inviting our communities to share feedback by completing the form on our website by 4pm on 30 June.

Mayor Grant Smith says this is an important conversation about the future of Palmerston North and the wider region.

“People care deeply about Palmerston North, our identity, and our city’s future. Whether you support councils working more closely together, have concerns about mergers, or simply want to make sure Palmerston North keeps a strong voice, we want to hear from you.”

The Government has signalled major changes to local government structures, including the removal of regional councils from October 2028. It has now asked councils to come up with amalgamation plans.

Possible changes could include:

• Palmerston North City Council merging with other councils, or parts of other councils
• More services being shared between councils
• Changes to council boundaries
• Different ways local decisions are made

Mayor Smith says early community feedback will help Council better understand what matters most to residents as discussions happen with nearby councils.

We will be holding two public drop-in sessions at the Central Library where people can come along and speak with us:

• Saturday 27 June, 10.30am – 12pm, Mezzanine Floor, Central Library
• Monday 29 June, 5pm – 6.30pm, Mezzanine Floor, Central Library

Mayor Smith acknowledges many people may already be feeling overwhelmed by the number of consultations and feedback exercises happening at the moment, but says this issue is too important not to take part in.

“I know there’s probably a bit of consultation fatigue out there, because there have been a lot of big conversations happening lately. But this is another really important one. Any future changes could affect things like rates, how you are represented, your community facilities and services, infrastructure investment, and Palmerston North’s identity and priorities.”

Mayor Smith says it’s important that Palmerston North has a strong local voice in the process.

“If we don’t speak up and work with other councils to develop our own proposal, there’s a real possibility Central Government could make decisions for our region instead.”

The first formal step in the process will be a Council meeting on 5 August, where elected members will consider community feedback and any opportunities identified with potential council partners before responding to the Government by 9 August.