Public invited to have their say on local government reform

Residents across Ōtepoti Dunedin are encouraged to have their say on the future of local government, Mayor of Dunedin Sophie Barker says.

“The government is planning to introduce significant changes to the local government sector, but before they do we all have an opportunity to have our say.

“I encourage everyone to do just that and let us know what matters most to you in local government – what’s working, what’s not, and what you want the future to look like,” Mayor Barker says.

In Otago, councils have been considering recent government announcements on local government reform through the Otago Mayoral Forum.

Forum members have decided to initiate a short period of public engagement to help determine next steps, beginning with a short survey which is live from today (Wednesday 27 May 2026) until Sunday 14 June 2026.

The survey can be found here: https://www.otagomayors.org.nz

“We want as many people as possible to complete the survey so we have a better understanding of what our communities want the future of local government to look like, here in Ōtepoti Dunedin and across Otago,” Ms Barker says.

“We are working closely with our neighbouring councils to consider a proposal that works for our communities. The issues are complex, but this is also an opportunity to look at how we can best shape the future for the communities we all serve.”

The survey results will be analysed before being reported back to the Otago Mayoral Forum and member councils in late June, and will help inform future public engagement on specific scenarios, options or models for local government in Otago.

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