‘Bent Over Backwards’: New Eastern Waikato Bloc Says Government Should Accept MergerAugust 5, 2026WaikatoThe councils in a potential Waikato eastern bloc say they’ve “bent over backwards” to tick the Government’s boxes for amalgamation. The proposal would turn Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki and Matamata-Piako District Councils into a single unitary authority dubbed Waihou-Piako-Coromandel Unitary Authority. Wellington should listen according to Matamata-Piako district council mayor Ash Tanner, who says local councils have “bent over backwards” and “pandered” to the Government over the past three months. His district has landed on this after facing nine potential options for amalgamation - multiple Waikato variants and possibilities in the Bay of Plenty. Thames-Coromandel’s use of consultants familiar with local council workings was essential in relieving pressure on staff and council to conduct business as usual, Revell added.