Otago Mayoral Forum - March 2026

Forum highlights

Regional focus areas workshop

• Members took part in a facilitated workshop to confirm regional focus areas and a direction of travel for each. Regional focus areas are matters that either require or would benefit from a coordinated cross‑council approach in Otago, and will guide the Forum’s work programme. The agreed focus areas are: 
  • Local government reform
  • Otago's economy
  • Regional spatial planning
  • Climate resilience
  • Minimising waste

Simplifying Local Government submissions

• The Forum reviewed a summary of Otago councils’ submissions on the Government’s Simplifying Local Government draft proposal, identifying areas of alignment across the region. Members discussed their early thinking on how Otago councils might respond collectively as the reforms progress, ahead of further announcements from Ministers.

General business

• The Otago Local Authorities’ Triennial Agreement 2026–29 has been ratified by all Councils. Members signed the final agreement on behalf of their Councils.
• Members confirmed an Otago Mayoral Forum Terms of Reference and meeting locations for 2026. Forum meetings will be held across the region.

Minutes

• Signed minutes for this meeting will be included in the papers for the Forum’s next meeting.