TCDC Working Group weightings for local government reform assessment
Published on 12 June 2026
The Thames-Coromandel Simplifying Local Government Working Group has released the weightings will be used to assess and shortlist options for local government reform, marking a significant milestone in the process.
The weightings reflect the Working Group's view of what matters most when considering future governance arrangements for the district and will guide the evaluation of potential options before recommendations are presented to Council.
The agreed weightings are:
- Keeping local voices strong – 30%
- Better value for ratepayers – 25%
- Less bureaucracy and clearer decisions – 25%
- Better planning for the future – 10%
- Making change practical and achievable – 10%
Mayor Peter Revell said the weightings strike a balance between ensuring local communities continue to have a strong voice while also recognising the need for efficient, effective and affordable local government.
"The Government has provided five criteria against which reform options must be assessed. The Working Group has spent considerable time discussing the relative importance of each and has now agreed a framework that will help guide its decision-making," Mayor Revell said.
“The decision-making behind this has also considered early responses to the survey currently open to members of our community,” said the Mayor. “Once the final survey results are collated on Monday we will double check that the weightings we are using align with those provided by the respondents.”
So far the highest weighting has been given to local representation and community voice.
"Whatever the future may look like, it is essential that people continue to feel connected to their local decision-makers and that the unique needs of our communities are understood and represented."
Looking for balance
Mayor Revell said the Working Group had also recognised the importance of reducing duplication, improving value for money and creating simpler, more effective decision-making structures.
"Our challenge is to find the right balance between local representation and the efficiencies that may come from change. These weightings provide a transparent basis for assessing the options before us."
The Working Group has reviewed a range of possible governance models and has been gathering information from across New Zealand to better understand how different structures operate in practice. The Mayor and some of the councillors have met with the Minister of Local Government and Government representatives to gain clarity around reform expectations and requirements.
The next step will be the release of shortlisted options for public consideration, which is expected following approval by the full Council next week.
'We want to hear directly from our communities'
Mayor Revell said community input would play a vital role in helping shape the Working Group's recommendations.
"This process is not just about numbers and structures. It's about ensuring local government continues to meet the needs and aspirations of our communities."
To help inform the Working Group's deliberations, residents, ratepayers and stakeholders are being invited to complete a short survey (accessible from the link or at the bottom of this page) indicating how important they believe each of the Government's five criteria should be when assessing reform options.
"We want to hear directly from our communities," Mayor Revell said.
"While the Working Group has agreed its own assessment framework, it is equally important that we understand the priorities of the people we represent. Their feedback will help us test our thinking and inform the next stage of the process."
The survey is available below, on our website and through Council service centres, and residents can also sign up through the TCDC website to receive updates as the reform programme progresses.
Click here to view form.