What Matters Most for Ruapehu Introduction The Government has announced significant changes to how local councils will work across New Zealand. Under the proposed changes, Regional councils will be phased out, and all councils would eventually become unitary authorities — a single council doing the work currently done by both district and regional councils. In order to carry out these functions effectively, it is likely that some councils will need to join together. Doing nothing is not an option. Councils have two paths: Head Start pathway: put forward an outline proposal by August 2026 to shape who we join with and how the new arrangement looks Backstop: if we don't put forward a proposal, central government will initiate a backstop process after the 2028 local elections. Importantly, the August 2026 deadline is for an outline proposal only. Further work and community consultation will happen before any final decisions are made in 2027. Council has not made any decisions yet about Ruapehu's future arrangements. We want to hear what matters most to you so your voice helps shape our position. This short survey should take less than ten minutes. Question Title * 1. What matters most about how local government works? When you think about how local government should work for Ruapehu, please rank these from 1 (matters most) to 6 (matters least). Question Title * 2. How we get thereGiven the Government's direction is set, what approach do you think Ruapehu should take? Take the lead now and shape our own arrangement through the Head Start pathway Wait and let central government determine our arrangement after the 2028 elections Not sure yet I need more information first Question Title * 3. What viewpoint should councillors prioritise?When Ruapehu considers joining with other councils to form a new unitary authority, what should councillors prioritise most when weighing up the options?These are the four factors being used to assess each option. Please rank them from 1 (matters most) to 4 (matters least). Question Title * 4. ConcernsWhat are your biggest concerns about possible changes to council structures?Please select up to three. Losing local voice and representation Greater distance from decision-makers Higher costs or rates Changes to service quality Impact on existing Treaty partnerships and Iwi/Hapū relationships Loss of local identity Impact on environmental and catchment management Impact on the visitor and tourism economy Other (please tell us) Question Title * 5. Non-negotiablesWhatever happens with reform, what is most important to protect for Ruapehu? Question Title * 6. Is there anything else you'd like Council to know as we consider our response? Question Title * 7. What matters most about what Council delivers?Thinking about the services and facilities Council provides, which are most important to you and your household?Please select up to five. Roads, footpaths and transport connections Rubbish, recycling and waste minimisation Parks, reserves and outdoor sports grounds Libraries and community facilities (e.g. community halls) Customer service (front desk, phone, online requests and enquiries) Swimming pools and recreation facilities Emergency management and resilience Environmental management and catchment care Building consents Resource consents Environmental health (food premises, alcohol licensing, business licences) Economic development and tourism support Support for community events and arts Cemeteries Animal control and bylaws Other (please tell us) Question Title * 8. Why these services?You've told us what matters most. Now tell us why.What is it about these services that's important to you? You might think about things like access, opening hours, quality, who delivers them, or how decisions about them are made. 50% of survey complete. Next
