Waitaki District Council has launched a community feedback survey regarding the Government’s Simplifying Local Government reforms, opening on 27 May 2026. The survey addresses Waitaki District’s unique position spanning both the Otago and Canterbury regions. Mayor Mel Tavendale has been meeting with Otago councils as Chair of the Otago Mayoral Forum and with South Canterbury councils including Waimate, Mackenzie, Timaru and Ashburton to discuss potential amalgamation options.
The Government announced a short timeframe for councils to propose amalgamation or face being amalgamated under legislated reforms. Mayor Tavendale emphasised that no decision has been made and community input is essential. The survey asks residents about their views on local government reform, priorities, and where they believe Waitaki’s future lies.
The survey runs until 14 June 2026 and is available online and in paper form at council facilities. The Government’s reform policy announced on 5 May 2026 includes a Head Start pathway with proposals due 9 August and a Backstop pathway to be legislated in 2027.
Read the full article at Waitaki District Council – News →
Source: Waitaki District Council – News. This summary was published by Input Ltd via amalgamation.nz, New Zealand’s central resource for local government amalgamation news.
