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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.
We manage pest plants and animals and monitor native species and ecosystems. We partner with landowners and communities to control pests and support projects that restore Otago’s biodiversity.
Our councillors and staff work alongside communities across Otago. We provide leadership, support informed decision-making, and help people understand and care for Otago's environment.
We help Otago prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. We bring councils and agencies together to manage events and support resilient communities.
We protect homes, farms and infrastructure by building and operating stopbanks, pumps and drainage systems. We manage rivers and work with communities to maintain these schemes and reduce flood risk.
We share costs fairly, with general rates funding services that benefit everyone, and targeted rates and fees where specific people or activities benefit. We also use government funding, reserves and Port Otago dividends to help keep pressure off ratepayers.
Through our partnership with Kai Tahu, we build strong, lasting relationships across the region. We work alongside mana whenua and Māori on shared priorities for Otago's environment and communities, ki uta ki tai.
We set the rules that protect Otago’s environment and give people certainty about what they can do on their land. We plan for growth so development happens in the right places, making the best use of investment while meeting national requirements.
We fully own Port Otago, a commercial port that supports the regional economy through exports, imports and cruise visits. Its dividends help offset rates for the community.
We run bus and ferry services that connect communities and make it easier to get to work, school and everyday destinations. We plan and invest in the transport network to improve access, reduce emissions and meet future demand.
We make sure activities that affect Otago’s air, land and water are done responsibly by setting conditions, checking compliance, and responding to pollution. We support good practice through education and keep harbours and boating safe.
We use detailed data and modelling to help communities manage risks like flooding, coastal change and landslides. We support planning and long-term solutions to help the region adapt to a changing climate.
We track the health of Otago’s environment and provide trusted data for sound decisions. Alongside landowners and communities, we turn science into action that improves waterways and reduces risks like flooding and pollution.
