This article is the first in a series produced by RSL Consultancy to offer support and insights to the wider sport and recreation sector on local government reform.

On the 7th of May the NZ government announced a “simplification” of Local Government in New Zealand, proposing the replacement of regional councils and amalgamations of territorial authorities. At the time of the announcement, it was signalled local government could either undertake this voluntarily, or accept central governments directive on how this should happen.