The Mayoral Forum and Secretariat are supported by the Regional Council but remains a separate entity.

The members of the Canterbury Mayoral Forum have met for the first meeting of the new term.

The Canterbury Mayoral Forum is the primary mechanism for local government communication, coordination, and collaboration in Waitaha Canterbury.

The Forum comprises mayors from the 10 territorial authorities in Waitaha, and the Chair of the Canterbury Regional Council. 

At the meeting on Friday 28 November, Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen was re-elected Chair, and Hurunui District Mayor Marie Black was re-elected Deputy Chair. 

Chair Bowen said he was delighted to be leading the Forum again, and the group was excited about what the next triennium’s work programme would bring to Waitaha. 

“There is a lot to look forward to. The Forum is poised to continue showcasing what an amazing place our wonderful region is by showing leadership on key issues.”

The Forum also discussed the challenges that the communities of Waitaha will face over this term, including the Government’s proposed changes to the governance arrangements of regional councils, which would result in regional councillors being replaced with a new governing body. 

The Forum acknowledges the proposal and notes that members are still working through what it would mean for each community and collectively as a region. 

Chair Bowen said the Forum has been signalling the need for local Government reform for some time and welcomed the opportunity to contribute to this important korero. 

“Each Mayor and the Regional Council Chair is working with their communities to understand what the Government’s proposal could mean for Waitaha residents. For the Forum, this will be an ongoing conversation, and we will work through the details of the proposals together as well as the legislative changes that we expect to come later this year. 

“It’s important to remember that there could be opportunities in the Government’s proposed changes. The Forum encourages anyone who has a view on the proposals to make a submission.

“In the meantime, the Forum remains focused on our work programme and it's business as usual.” 

At the meeting, the Forum endorsed the Canterbury Local Authorities’ Triennial Agreement 2025-28 for ratification by the region’s councils. The agreement outlines the commitment of local councils in the Waitaha Canterbury region to work together effectively. 

This agreement is mandated under the Local Government Act, and is reviewed and ratified every three years.

The next Canterbury Mayoral Forum meeting will be on Friday, 20 February 2026. 

The Canterbury Mayoral Forum is made up of Kaikōura District Mayor Craig Mackle, Hurunui District Mayor Marie Black, Waimakariri District Mayor Dan Gordon, Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger, Selwyn District Mayor Lydia Gliddon, Ashburton District Mayor Liz McMillan, Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen, Waimate District Mayor Craig Rowley, Mackenzie District Mayor Scott Aronsen, Waitaki District Mayor Melanie Tavendale, and Canterbury Regional Council Chair Dr Deon Swiggs.  

Background:

The Mayoral Forum provides a mechanism for local authorities in Waitaha Canterbury to come together and speak with one strong voice for the region and its communities, while identifying and prioritising issues of mutual concern and fostering cooperation to address them. 

Through leadership, facilitation, and advocacy, the Forum advances regional economic and social development, and works collaboratively with central government and key sector leaders to meet community needs and expectations at the lowest possible cost to ratepayers. 

The Forum meets quarterly and is supported by a permanent secretariat hosted by Canterbury Regional Council.

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