Media release
Community priorities clear in local government reform survey results
22 June 2026
Affordable rates, quality services and infrastructure, and keeping decisions local were among the top priorities identified by respondents to a survey on local government reform.
The Otago Mayoral Forum survey sought views on what is most important to people when it comes to local government reform.
The key issues identified at a regional level related to a loss of identity and financial concerns, however at a regional level more than one third of respondents commented with pro-reform sentiment.
Otago Mayoral Forum chair Melanie Tavendale says, “the views shared by people will help Councils to better understand what is most important for the community in each area, and this will support any decision making as councils work collaboratively on what local government could look like in the future.”
The survey drew 1,820 responses from across the region.
| Priority Issue | Otago |
|---|---|
| Affordable rates | 64% |
| Quality services and infrastructure | 58% |
| Keep decisions local | 54% |
| More efficiency, less duplication | 51% |
| Rural areas and small towns are valued | 40% |
| Healthy environment | 37% |
| Urban growth is properly planned | 34% |
| Services are easy to access | 30% |
| Local character is protected | 30% |
| More transparency | 28% |
| Economic growth | 25% |
| Other | 5% |
Priority issues as identified by survey respondents at a regional level
With Government moving to simplify local government, significant change is coming for councils.
Mayor Tavendale says “This was an opportunity for Councils and communities to shape reform by getting involved in the process. The Mayoral Forum is committed to continuing to work together on possible options, but decisions on next steps remain with individual Councils.”
Analysis of data is being shared with Councils and survey analysis will be shared with communities.
The survey results can be found at www.otagomayors.org.nz.
BACKGROUND
In November 2025, the Government released a draft proposal for local government reform. All six Otago councils submitted feedback.
On 5 May 2026, the Government announced its intended policy. Two reform pathways were set out, including the Head Start’ for which outline proposals are due by 9 August and the ‘Backstop’ pathway, which will be legislated in 2027 but does not have clear detail yet.
The starting point for the government’s reform is creating a unitary authority within Otago. The Government has also said it will consider more than one unitary authority in a region where the region is large and has more complex issues.
On 22 May, Otago Mayoral Forum members agreed to work together on local government reform.
Working together through the Mayoral Forum does not mean a one-size-fits-all outcome. Each district has its own communities, geography and priorities, and there will be opportunities for district-level engagement alongside the regional process. The regional process is designed to generate shared analysis and options. The decisions remain with each local council.
The Mayoral Forum committed to being open to exploring cross-boundary considerations to achieve the best outcomes through the reform process and will be reaching out to neighbouring districts to test a willingness to work together in coming weeks.
The Forum wants to progress work within a timeframe that ensures the Head Start pathway is an option – with proposals due by 9 August.
The Otago Mayoral Forum comprises the Mayors of Waitaki District, Dunedin City, Central Otago District, Queenstown Lakes District, Clutha District and the Chair of Otago Regional Council.
