Council to consider next steps for Head Start proposal

Invercargill City Council will this week consider whether to continue developing a proposal through the Government's Head Start process, following community engagement and the release of two shortlisted governance options by the Local Government Commission.

Councillors will meet on Thursday 23 July to review community feedback, hear recommendations from the Local Democracy Enhancement Working Party and consider whether to progress a draft Head Start proposal ahead of the Government's 9 August deadline.

Council Group Manager Community Engagement and Corporate Services Trudie Hurst said the meeting represented another important step in considering the future of local government in Southland.

“No decision has been made on whether Council will submit a Head Start proposal and Thursday's meeting gives elected members the opportunity to consider the community feedback, technical advice and other information before deciding the next steps,” Hurst said.

The report before Council draws together technical analysis, community feedback, financial modelling, advice from Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku and recommendations from the Local Democracy Enhancement Working Party. It also considers the Government's five assessment criteria for Head Start proposals: simplifying local government, maintaining local voice, supporting the new planning system, economies of scale and deliverability.

Council's community engagement attracted more than 90 survey responses and about 500 comments across social media.

“We asked people what mattered most to them, and they responded with thoughtful and considered feedback. While there were different views on the governance models, there were clear messages about the importance of local representation, affordability and making sure Southland is well positioned for the future. Those insights will help inform Council's thinking,” Hurst said.

The meeting also follows the Local Government Commission's announcement that it will undertake further modelling and public engagement on two governance options as part of its independent review either a single Southland-wide unitary council supported by local boards or, two unitary councils with one based around Invercargill and one covering Southland and Gore, each supported by local boards.

“The Head Start pathway and the Local Government Commission review are separate processes, but both are considering how local government can best serve Southland into the future. The Commission's engagement provides another opportunity for people to have their say, and I'd encourage anyone with an interest in Southland's future to get involved.”

If councillors agree to continue the Head Start process, a draft proposal will be prepared and presented to an extraordinary Council meeting on 6 August. Council will then decide whether to submit a proposal to the Government before the 9 August deadline.