Otago Mayoral Forum - May 2026

Forum highlights

Simplifying Local Government

• The Forum heard from Jeremy Lightfoot, incoming Chief Executive of the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), and Warren Ulusele, Regional Partnership Director at the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), on the Government's reform announcements and their implications for Otago.
• Members committed to a collaborative approach to better understanding the options for reform across Otago's councils, within a timeframe that keeps the Head Start pathway open. The approach includes discussions with mana whenua and neighbouring councils about their role in the reform process.
• The Forum directed the Otago Chief Executives Forum to establish a programme structure and timeline, and commence early community engagement.  

Advocating for Otago's economy

• The Forum agreed to develop a coordinated Otago economic narrative, ready for advocating to Government before and after the general election later this year. 

Regional Spatial Planning

• The Forum endorsed the approach agreed by the Otago Chief Executives Forum to initiate a joint spatial planning project, including the appointment of an independent Project Lead. Members agreed to progress an interim governance group to provide elected member governance and political leadership for the project, and agreed to seek advice from Kāi Tahu regarding appropriate governance and operational arrangements for mana whenua partnership and participation.

Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal

• Mayor Glover and Mayor Alley and provided a brief update on ongoing negotiations towards the Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal.

Minutes

• Signed minutes for this meeting will be included in the papers for the Forum's next meeting.