At its meeting in Alexandra on 12 December, the Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal Negotiation Committee reviewed progress and confirmed the next steps in developing the deal. The Committee also re-elected Otago Regional Councillor Gretchen Robertson as Chair and Central Otago District Deputy Mayor Tracy Paterson as Deputy Chair to lead the next steps in the work.

The latest discussion with the Crown officials, held on 4 December, explored transport priorities and funding and financing matters. Previous sessions have looked in detail at the Councils’ proposals related to affordable housing, healthcare, electricity supply, and productivity growth. The Councils anticipate hearing from the Government on next steps early in 2026.

Committee Chair Gretchen Robertson said, “This deal is about future-proofing our region. We need solutions that keep pace with growth, protect our environment, and maintain quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”

The Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal is intended to deliver improved economic, environmental, and social outcomes for the subregion. This includes investment in transport infrastructure to ease congestion and improve resilience. The deal also seeks to unlock innovative funding and financing tools to ensure that the costs of growth and high visitor numbers are shared fairly, reducing the burden on local ratepayers while enabling sustainable development.

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to confidentiality to safeguard negotiations and secure the best outcomes for local communities. While there is strong public interest in the development of the Regional Deal, maintaining confidentiality ensures that discussions can proceed constructively and without compromising the region’s negotiating position.