Dunedin (Tuesday, 5 May 2026) – The government has given councils a very clear indication of its intentions for the sector, and the ball is now in our court to deliver a proposal that works for our communities within their tight timeframe, a group of Southern mayors say.

The topic of amalgamation has already been front of mind for all Mayors and senior staff at councils across Otago and has been raised in conversation at the Otago Mayoral Forum.

Those conversations are continuing as we seek to find out where our interests might align.

Local Government New Zealand was already planning a session for elected members on the operation of unitary councils in the next couple of weeks, so none of this is new to our sector.

We are already working on it, but today’s announcement certainly sharpens the focus.

The issues involved are complex and will create uncertainty, but there is also an opportunity to look at how we best position ourselves to shape the future for the communities we all serve.

Approved by:

Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker

Clutha Mayor Jock Martin

Waitaki Mayor Melanie Tavendale

Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley

Queenstown-Lakes Mayor John Glover

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