Local government reforms: Western Bay rejects Tauranga merger proposal

Local Democracy Reporter·SunLive·6 Aug, 2026 08:04 PM5 mins to read‌Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer (left) and Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale supported the councils working together on forming a new subregional unitary authority, but the Western Bay council voted overall to reject the plan. Photo / Ayla YeomanTauranga City Council has been left at the altar by its proposed amalgamation partner, the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.But resistance to the union may prove futile, with Tauranga agreeing to push ahead with a proposal without its neighbour’s support. The two councils held a five-hour joint meeting