Amalgamation Cost Will Be Borne By Ratepayers - Kaikōura Council BossApril 05, 2026Merging with Marlborough will come at a cost, likely to be borne by ratepayers, Kaikōura District Council chief executive Will Doughty says. The Marlborough District Council is due to meet on Thursday to approve the draft proposal. Councils were given until August 9 to present proposals for forming unitary councils, which would take on regional council functions, under the Government’s Head Start policy. Any delay would come at a cost to the Kaikōura District Council, with councils expected to begin work on regional spatial plans, Mr Doughty said. Advertisement - scroll to continue readingFor now, Kaikōura remains a part of Canterbury, with regional council functions looked after by Environment Canterbury (ECan).