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Local government reform
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The Government is progressing a programme of local government reform that could lead to significant changes in how councils are structured and how some services are delivered across New Zealand. Nationally, the Government is encouraging councils to explore options for future local government arrangements, including opportunities for greater collaboration, shared services, and potential structural change.
In Otago, councils are working together to understand what these reforms could mean for our region and communities. No decisions affecting Otago have been made. Any future changes would require further work, engagement, and decisions by central government and councils.
The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is actively involved in discussions about local government reform and is working alongside Otago's city and district councils through the Otago Mayoral Forum. Our focus is ensuring that the functions and services that matter most to Otago communities are well understood and appropriately considered as future options are explored.
These include:
- Managing Otago's rivers, lakes, freshwater and land resources
- Protecting and improving air quality
- Supporting flood protection and natural hazard management
- Providing regional emergency management and resilience
- Managing pests and weeds
- Delivering public transport services
- Providing environmental monitoring, science and planning
Whatever the future structure of local government in Otago, these functions remain important to the wellbeing, prosperity, and resilience of our communities.
While discussions about reform continue, ORC remains focused on delivering the services and programmes our communities rely on every day.
The reform process will take time, and there are still many details to be worked through. In the meantime, ORC will continue to deliver on its responsibilities and commitments across the region.
Otago's councils have agreed to take a collaborative approach to understanding reform options and the opportunities and challenges they may present for the region. This work is being guided by a shared commitment to protecting local voice, delivering good value for communities, supporting long-term sustainability, and protecting the environmental assets that are central to Otago's identity and future.
We will continue to share updates as the reform process develops, and more information can be found on the Otago Mayoral Forum.
