Taupō District Mayor reacts to Head Start pause

Taupō District Mayor John Funnell has welcomed an announcement today from Central Government that it plans to take more time before deciding which Head Start amalgamation proposals should progress to detailed design.

Mr Funnell says the delay reaffirmed Taupō District Council’s decision to ask central government for more time to consider amalgamation.

“In my career, all my best decisions have been made where I took time to consult others and understand what was needed,” says Mr Funnell.

“Through the Head Start process, we heard loud and clear that the two big issues for our district are affordability and representation. This delay allows us all the opportunity to get that right.”

However, Mr Funnell said he was aware that the three months the council had dedicated to working on Head Start had delayed other essential projects.

“This pause allows us to get back to our day-to-day business of running the council and attending to all the other things we now have to catch up on. That includes preparing for our 2027-37 Long-term Plan and understanding all the new legislation coming in and what we have to do to accommodate it.”