Regional Council Chair calls for united Southland response

Today’s announcement by the Government signals that structural change is imminent for local government.

Environment Southland chair Jeremy McPhail said the introduction of the Government’s Head Start Pathway means Southland has a limited window to determine its future.

“For Southland, the key question is whether we shape that change ourselves, or have it shaped for us. It’s up to us, as Southland councils, to work closely together to develop a proposal that reflects our region’s unique communities, geography, and economy.”

Chair McPhail said the Local Government Commission process already underway in Southland remains relevant, and we await the Government’s advice on how the two processes will align.

“The Commission’s work has been building an evidence base for exploring options for the future of local government in our region. The challenge now is to use that foundation constructively and at pace.

“Environment Southland is willing to engage constructively with any process that seeks to improve outcomes for our communities. It is disappointing that regional councils have been excluded from putting forward any change proposals, but that won’t stop us from advocating for what’s best for the region.”

Chair McPhail said it was good to see the criteria for reorganisation proposals recognised economies of scale, especially given the nature of regional council responsibilities for catchment and river management, with rivers often passing through more than one local council area. This is reinforced by the Government’s rapid review of regional council functions, which found most services are best delivered at a regional or local scale, with limited benefit from widespread centralisation.

“Regional councils play a critical role in managing Southland’s natural resources and responding to risks such as flooding and the changing climate. It’s important that any future arrangements protect and strengthen these functions for the wellbeing of Southlanders.”

Chair McPhail said it was pleasing the Government had changed its tune and decided to allow democratically elected regional councillors to see out their term.

“Regional councillors were elected by their communities to serve a full term, and that democratic choice matters,” he said. “Keeping regional councillors in place ensures continuity of governance, and it’s important that our expertise is maintained beyond 2028.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink how local government works in Southland and Environment Southland remains committed to working constructively with our council partners, iwi and communities to help shape a system that is fit for the future.”

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