Mackenzie Backs Five-Council Model, Leaves Door Open For AshburtonJuly 31, 2026South CanterburyThe Mackenzie District Council has chosen a five-council authority as its preferred amalgamation model, a decision its chief executive says will have impacts “for generations to come”. Discussion over whether Ashburton would join the partnership led to a two-option proposal, a five-council model and a four-council model. Advertisement - scroll to continue readingThe four-council model would comprise Mackenzie, Waimate, Timaru and Waitaki, while the five-council model would also include Ashburton. Community consultation closed last week, with five options presented; a five model authority, four model authority, three model authority, a different arrangement of councils, and an option to not engage. Of submitters, 25% opted for the four-council model, two preferred a different model to those offered, and one said they did not wish to engage with Head Start.