Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen has come out in support of central government’s “next step in reforming local government” announcement today.

Statement from Mayor Nigel Bowen:

“We welcome the opportunity to become a larger unitary council and take greater control of our future.

“For too long, the urban voice of Christchurch has dominated regional policy, often failing to reflect the priorities and perspectives of South Canterbury urban and rural communities. This is our opportunity to reset that balance and shape a model that works for town, country and every place in between.

“From today, I will be actively engaging with neighbouring councils to progress options for a new local government structure across South Canterbury. This work will be outcomes-driven, with a clear focus on delivering a preferred model for change. As part of this, we will also engage directly with Environment Canterbury to assess how regional functions could be better aligned or integrated within a future unitary structure.

“We recognise and support the importance of progressing this work ahead of the 2028 local government elections, so that the future structure is clearly defined and communities can have confidence in how they are represented before they are asked to vote.”

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