Far North considers merging councils

People in the Far North are expected to back a plan to dump its regional and district councils, in favour of just one local body.

A working group says the move will avoid duplication, reduce costs and cut out inefficiencies.

It says it would also simplifying planning, and people who need resource consents will only have to deal with one council.

Co-chairman Rangitane Marsden says there's a mood across the country of people getting fed up with the state of local government.

"I think there is a huge mind shift about walking away from the current regime and looking at better alternatives, and what we're hoping to do is present the better alternatives."

Mr Marsden says the findings go to the Far North District Council next month, before discussions with ratepayers.

"My own view is that here's an opportunity for the communities to really look at taking some more control of what happens in their local environment."

The group's report goes to the Local Government Commission in October.

The group is now seeking community feedback on the plan.

Photo: NZ Herald