Simplifying Local Government
The Government is proposing to simplify local government by changing how regional decision‑making works. Under the draft model, mayors would form a new Combined Territories Board (CTB), replacing elected regional councillors. The CTB would then develop a Regional Reorganisation Plan to improve how councils collaborate and deliver services across each region. The proposal aims to reduce duplication, improve accountability, and make it easier for communities to understand who is responsible for what. Public consultation on the proposal closed on 20 February 2026. You can find MPDC’s submission here.

Rates Capping
The Government is proposing a national rates cap to help keep annual rates increases more affordable for communities. The cap would generally limit increases to 2–4% per person each year, with councils needing approval from a regulator to go higher in exceptional situations like natural disasters. A transition period begins in 2027, with the full system in place by 2029.
You can read MPDC’s submission here.