Councils committed to collaborative approach - Local government reform

OTAGO MAYORAL FORUM MEDIA RELEASE

Otago residents will get the opportunity to share their views on local government reform as councils work collaboratively on what this could look like for the region in the future.

At a meeting of the Otago Mayoral Forum last Friday, the Mayors of Waitaki, Dunedin, Central Otago, Queenstown Lakes, the Deputy Mayor of Clutha, and Chair of the Otago Regional Council agreed to work together on local government reform.

Otago Mayoral Forum chair Melanie Tavendale says “Significant change is coming for councils across New Zealand as the Government has announced its requirements to simplify local government. Councils and communities have an opportunity to shape this reform by getting involved in the process.”

Councils will be looking at the best outcomes and progressing work within a timeframe that keeps the door open to the option of Government’s recently announced Head Start pathway.

“It’s important our communities have a voice and people are given the opportunity to have a say on reform locally, so a community survey is being launched this week asking people across Otago to share their views. Analysis of this will help to support decision making.”

The focus of feedback is on seeking local views, but looking beyond regional boundaries is a possibility.

The Mayoral Forum committed to being open to exploring cross-boundary considerations to achieve the best outcomes through the reform process and will be reaching out to neighbouring districts to test a willingness to work together in coming weeks. The important role of mana whenua and Otago’s communities in conversations about reform were also acknowledged.

The Forum asked for work to progress within a timeframe that ensures the Head Start pathway is an option – with proposals due by 9 August.

The community survey is open from Wednesday 27 May until Sunday 14 June. People can give their feedback at www.otagomayors.org.nz.