Otago Mayoral Forum - December 2023

Forum highlights

Briefing to incoming Otago MPs

• The Forum reviewed a draft briefing containing shared messages from the Forum to incoming Otago-based and Otago-representative MPs. The briefing has since been finalised and sent, and can be viewed here. Advocacy associated with each of the Forum's 'top five' will continue throughout 2024.

Minister Mark Patterson

• The Forum hosted the new Minister for Rural Communities and Associate Minister for Agriculture Mark Patterson, who resides in Otago.

Regional Public Service Commissioner and Fire & Emergency NZ (FENZ)

• Steph Voight (Otago Regional Public Service Commissioner), Ginny Howden (Otago Regional Public Service Director) and Phil Marsh (Otago District Manager, FENZ) joined the Forum to provide an update on public service issues in Otago and to discuss FENZ's current focus and strategic direction.  

Central/Local Government Partnership Director

• For a Wellington public service perspective, the Forum was also joined by Central/Local Government Partnership Director for Otago, Warren Ulusele.  

Minutes

• Signed minutes for this meeting are included in the papers for the Forum's next meeting.