The Council agreed at its meeting today to provide a public transport link for people living in Ōamaru and the towns north of Palmerston.

In moving the recommendation to implement the Ōamaru-Dunedin service, Cr Kevin Malcolm said it is a key priority in ORC’s Regional Public Transport Plan and a critical step in achieving the plan’s priorities of improving regional connectivity.

“The Ōamaru community have given us a clear signal that they need this service. It will increase connectivity, choice and independence for people living North of Palmerston. It won’t just be for Ōamaru people. It also supports people from the areas in between Ōamaru and Dunedin and supports Dunedin people going to Ōamaru.” The service will commence on 1 October 2026.

He says ORC has received 11 letters of support from the community, including Waitaki Mayor Melanie Tavendale, Waitaki District Councillors, a Dunedin City Councillor and sports and other organisations.

He asked councillors to support the service as Waitaki people see it as a critical connection between rural areas and cities.

“Waitaki people are happy to pay for value for money.”

The service will include a morning trip from Ōamaru to Dunedin and an evening trip from Dunedin to Ōamaru seven days a week. This allows for return trips from Ōamaru to Dunedin within a day, which are not currently possible on InterCity services. The service will also stop in Maheno and Hampden.

A report to Council said many Ōamaru residents want to travel to Dunedin for work, social or recreational activities, shopping and medical appointments. The service would also contribute to reducing transport-related emissions through less reliance on private vehicles.

The report said the service will cost $100,000 a year but is likely to generate good fare revenue.
The future of the service will be subject NZTA and the Council’s future funding decision-making. 

Ōamaru-Dunedin service details

• Once daily return service seven days a week.
• Leaves North Ōamaru at 8.20am. Leaves Dunedin at 5.05pm. The 5.05pm trip to Palmerston changes to 6pm.
• The Ōamaru route runs via Eden Street and South Hill. 
• Stops in Maheno, Hampden, Palmerston and Waikouaiti Maheno, Hampden, Palmerston and Waikouaiti (and possibly Herbert).
• On weekdays, Route 1 won’t divert into Karitane and Warrington to improve running time.