Local government changes must work for Southland
Environment Southland’s new council is at the centre of sweeping changes proposed by central government.
The announcement late yesterday proposing the removal of regional council governance opens the door to significant opportunities – and challenges – for our communities.
Chairman Jeremy McPhail said the proposal adds urgency to conversations already underway in Southland.
“Southland councils have been talking about what reorganisation could look like for some time and we are currently engaged in a formal process around that with the Local Government Commission,” he said. “This announcement means those discussions are now more important than ever. We need to make sure any new system reflects the needs and priorities of the region and our people.”
The decisions made in the coming year will shape how Southland protects the environment, manages risks, and supports regional growth for decades to come.
“Getting the balance right between local delivery and national direction is critical,” Chairman McPhail said. “We can’t afford to lose the local knowledge and responsiveness that communities rely on.”
Regional councils do work that matters to communities, every day – managing flood protection, freshwater, the coast, and air quality; protecting biodiversity; biosecurity; planning for natural hazards and regional transport; and delivering maritime safety.
“These aren’t optional extras,” Chairman McPhail said. “They’re essential services that underpin safety, prosperity, and environmental health.”
“As regional councillors, it’s our job to know our catchments and communities inside out,” he said. “Our services rely on that knowledge, on catchment-based planning, and on being able to respond quickly when things happen. Yes, there’s room for improvement, and consistent national direction and better funding would help – but stripping away regional governance knowledge and connection isn’t necessarily the answer.”
Chairman McPhail said Environment Southland will be fully engaged in the Government’s consultation process.
“I’ll be fighting Southland’s corner. Our communities deserve services that are efficient, fair, and accountable. Whatever system comes out of this, it must work for Southland as well as the rest of New Zealand.”
Links to further information:
Information on local government reorganisation in Southland is available here
Te Uru Kahika (collective of 16 regional and unitary councils) media release: Local government changes must deliver better outcomes
