Coast Head Start Report Emphasises 'Local Voices'August 03, 2026A West Coast report on community engagement on the Head Start proposal for local government reform, shows an emphasis on listening to local voices, as the Government's deadline approaches this weekend. Buller, Grey and Westland district councils were all meeting today to consider their commitment to the Head Start process. The reforms -- with an early preference on the West Coast for one unitary council -- will be in place by the local body elections in 2028. West Coast regional councillor Andy Campbell has previously said the regional council should listen to the locals instead of hiring consultants. The Head Start report outlined the values shared by the public in each of the three districts, which ranged from local representation, accessible elected members and representatives who understood the unique needs of the local communities.