Otago Regional Council (ORC) regularly makes submissions to central government, local government, and other external agencies on policies, plans, and proposals that may impact our region.

These submissions are an important way for ORC to represent the interests of Otago’s communities and environment. They help ensure that national and regional decisions take account of local perspectives, knowledge, and priorities.

We prepare submissions across a wide range of topics – from environmental policy and climate adaptation to infrastructure, transport, freshwater, and more. Some submissions are technical, others strategic, but all are grounded in our role as a regional council.

This page provides a summary of recent submissions ORC has made to external agencies. We publish them here as part of our commitment to transparency and to keep our communities informed about the work we do on your behalf.

Otago and Southland Regional Transport Committees' submission on the Draft National Infrastructure Plan

August 2025

PDF | 249 KB

ORC Submission on DCC Albany St Project

August 2025

PDF | 90 KB

Otago Regional Council Submission on proposals for Infrastructure and Development National Directions (Package 1)

July 2025

PDF | 164 KB

This submission reflects the views of ORC Councillors and is informed by ORC’s practical experience in the management of natural and physical resources, its own infrastructure assets, and its knowledge of diverse land uses and the views gathered through engagement with the Otago community and stakeholders in developing our strategic, policy, and planning frameworks.

Otago Regional Council Submission on proposal for enabling primary sector growth and development (Package 2)

July 2025

PDF | 214 KB

ORC submission on proposal for Freshwater national direction (Package 3)

July 2025

PDF | 375 KB

ORC submission Taumata Arowai - Acceptable Solutions

June 2025

PDF | 153 KB

ORC submission on QLDC Climate and Biodiversity Plan 2025-2028

25 June 2025

PDF | 87 KB

Otago Regional Council makes a submission on the draft Queenstown Lakes Climate and Biodiversity Plan 2025 – 2028.

Otago Regional Council submission on Waitaki Proposed District Plan

16 May 2025

PDF | 338 KB

ORC highlighted the need to align local land-use planning with regional environmental goals, focusing on water quality, biodiversity, and natural hazard resilience.

Otago Regional Council submission on Proposed Wastewater Environmental Performance Standards

April 2025

PDF | 629 KB

ORC supported improved efficiency but warned that a uniform approach could undermine local environmental protections, cultural values, and community input.