The Government has given councils three months to decide how they want local government reorganised — or risk having a new structure imposed from Wellington. So what are the rules?

Local Government Minister Simon Watts said the three-month window is designed for councils that are “ready and willing to move quickly to develop an outline proposal”.

“Head Start is a voluntary pathway for councils that want to move earlier on changes to simplify local government.

“Ministers are looking for mayors and councils to provide local leadership.”

Do you support local government amalgamation?…