Timeline

Here's the journey so far and what's coming up.

November 2025

First proposal

Government announces its first proposal and opens it for public submissions.
20 February 2026

Submissions close

Submissions close — more than 1,150 received from councils, sector groups, iwi/Maaori and the public.
5 May 2026

Head Start pathway

Government announces the voluntary Head Start pathway.
June 2026

Your views

We talk with our communities and ask for your views.
10 July 2026

Feedback closes

Community feedback closes — have your say before this date.
11.59pm, Sunday 9 August 2026

Council deadline

Deadline for councils to submit outline proposals to the Government.
September 2026

Proposals considered

Government considers the outline proposals and may agree some "in principle".
2027

Consultation opens

Detailed design and proposed legislation. Communities are consulted again before final decisions.
May 2027

Final decisions

Government is expected to make its final decisions.
2028

Local elections

Any agreed changes take effect; the wider reform begins for other areas.

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Last updated 4 June 2026, 03:46 pm