Community feedback sought on future of local government in Southland

Big conversations are under way about the future of local government, and Invercargill City Council wants all Southlanders at the heart of those discussions.

Ministers Simon Watts and Chris Bishop announced on 5 May a fast-track local reform process called Head Start, which gave councils a three-month window to develop proposals to reorganise councils. Cabinet will decide which proposals can progress later this year.

Councils that do not submit Head Start proposal will have reform decisions made for them as part of the Government’s backstop process. Watts said the aim was to reduce duplication, improve efficiency, strengthen infrastructure delivery and ensure local government was financially sustainable for the future.

Invercargill City Council agreed at an Extraordinary Council meeting on 4 June to develop a proposal to submit through the Head Start pathway.

The starting point for Council’s process is a single unitary council model, or a ‘One Southland’ council, based on the current Southland regional boundary, with one council to undertake the responsibilities currently carried out by Environment Southland, Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council and Gore District Council.

Mayor Tom Campbell said the Head Start process presented an important opportunity for Southland communities to help shape how local government worked in the region for generations to come.

“While the final decision sits with central Government, we have an opportunity to put an informed proposal forward and influence how local government in Southland could look for future generations, so we are asking for feedback.

“Southland's strength has always come from the way our communities work together. The city supports the wider region, the wider region supports the city, and together we create the economic, social and cultural heart of Southland. We want to hear what matters most to all of our Southland communities because the future of local government should be shaped by the people it serves.”

One of the outcomes Government is looking for any new entity is to support region-wide planning and catchment management.

“Water connects all Southland communities, whether it’s the water we drink, the rivers and wetlands we value, the industries and farms that support our economy, or protecting homes and businesses from flooding, water management is critical.

“What happens at the top of the Ōreti River affects the bottom of the catchment at the New River Estuary, this is the same with all the rivers across Southland. Water underpins the success of the whole of Southland’s future.

“We also recognise the cost of living challenge the community faces and it is important to consider what is the most financially sustainable model going forward.”

Mayor Campbell said there were different views across the Southland councils about the best way forward but what united us was that we all wanted the best for our communities.

“We're at the beginning of this conversation, not the end of it. If Council decides to put forward a proposal, we want to make sure we've heard from as many Southlanders as possible so it reflects the priorities, concerns and aspirations of the people who live here.”

The Head Start process is separate from the independent investigation currently being undertaken by the Local Government Commission. Following a request from Southland District Council last year, the Commission started a reorganisation investigation into local government in Southland, and recently confirmed it would proceed to a second stage, which involved further analysis of potential governance options for the region.

The Government has set a tight timeframe for councils wishing to participate in the Head Start pathway. Councils have until 9 August to determine whether they wish to put forward a proposal and what that proposal could look like.

“We know is this a shorter than normal time for engagement but this is your opportunity to give your feedback on what you would like to see local government in Southland look like in the future.”

To have your say, go to letstalk.icc.govt.nz/head-start-southland