“This is a great opportunity for people living in the area to work with us to ensure we meet the expectations of our community and to help shape the future of the Lower Clutha’s flood and drainage schemes,” Mr Dyer says.
ORC is re-establishing several liaison groups for its flood protection and drainage schemes across Otago. The Lower Taieri group was established in 2024, with the Tokomairiro group set to follow in 2026.
One nomination was received for each of the Barnego, Inch Clutha, Kaitangata, and Paretai representative positions, and these were elected unopposed at the meeting. Three nominations were received for the Balclutha position, with one nominee withdrawing prior to the AGM.
A vote was held for the Balclutha position, between the two remaining nominees. David Botting, who was present at the meeting, was unanimously elected by those in attendance.
The following community representatives were elected for the Lower Clutha liaison group:
| Area | Representative |
|---|---|
| Balclutha | Dave Botting |
| Barnego | Mike Hurring |
| Inch Clutha | Stewart Morrison |
| Kaitangata | Evan Dick |
| Paretai | Craig Shepard |
An overview of the liaison group including its purpose and draft Terms of Reference was shared at the beginning of the AGM, followed by the opportunity for each nominee to speak for up to two minutes.
The Liaison Group will act as an informal advisory committee, working alongside ORC to provide local knowledge, feedback, and perspectives on the operation and maintenance of the Lower Clutha Flood Protection and Drainage Scheme.
“In addition to the five elected community representatives, the group will also include representatives from mana whenua, Contact Energy, the Clutha District Council, and an Otago Regional Councillor,” Mr Dyer says.
The results from the AGM will be presented at ORC’s February 2026 Council meeting, where the group will be formally confirmed and a Councillor appointed.
Lower Clutha Flood Protection and Drainage Scheme Liaison Group – Membership
| Representation | Seats |
|---|---|
| Balclutha | 1 |
| Barnego | 1 |
| Inch Clutha | 1 |
| Kaitangata | 1 |
| Paretai | 1 |
| Mana whenua | 2 |
| Contact Energy Limited | 1 |
| ORC Councillor | 1 |
| Clutha District Councillor | 1 |
| Total | 10 |
The Lower Clutha Flood Protection and Drainage Scheme helps reduce flood risk and protect the towns of Balclutha, Kaitangata, and Stirling, as well as surrounding low-lying farmland.
Re-establishing these groups was a decision made through ORC’s 2024 Long-Term Plan process, to strengthen local input into the management of Otago’s major flood protection and drainage schemes.
Further information
More details on this new liaison group, the flood and drainage schemes it represents, and the AGM’s agenda and draft Terms of Reference can be found on ORC's Lower Clutha Flood Protection and Drainage Scheme Liaison Group webpage.
