Meeting
Otago Mayoral Forum - September 2026
Cromwell
18 September 2026
At its September meeting in Cromwell, the Otago Mayoral Forum discussed local government reform and how it plans to engage with the incoming Government. Members received updates on the Otago Regional Economic Narrative, a new public climate resource, South Island transport advocacy, and regional collaboration on regional spatial planning and minimising waste.
Forum highlights
Reform Roundtable
- Members shared updates on local government reform discussions at their respective councils since the July Forum meeting, ahead of anticipated Government announcements.
Otago Regional Economic Narrative
- The Otago Regional Economic Development (ORED) working group updated the Forum on the Otago Economic Opportunities Narrative, which is being developed to support the Forum to advocate for Otago following the general election. A full narrative is expected at the November Forum meeting.
Otago Climate Story
- The Forum was introduced to the Otago Climate Story, a new online resource co-developed with territorial authorities and mana whenua to raise public awareness of climate risks and resilience work across the region. The site is hosted at orc.govt.nz/climatestory.
Transport Advocacy
- Cr Kate Wilson spoke to a South Island Regional Transport Committee Chairs Group report on the South Island's economic contribution and the importance of transport connectivity.
Collaboration updates
- The Forum received updates on Regional Spatial Planning, including progress by the Interim Governance Group, and on the Minimising Waste programme, including a construction and demolition waste diversion trial.
Minutes
- Signed minutes for this meeting will be included in the papers for the Forum's next meeting.
