Rotorua Lakes Council rejected joining Tauranga City Council in a Head Start application — and also rejected the Government’s alternative Backstop pathway. HEAD START OR WAIT FOR THE BACKSTOPThe Government’s wider programme means saying no to Head Start does not necessarily mean saying no to reform. Supporters of Head Start argue councils willing to move now have an opportunity to shape their own future. For councils embracing Head Start, it is an opportunity to influence what comes next. The Government wants councils to get a Head Start on reform.