Let's Talk about Waihemo's future

The Government's Simplifying Local Government programme proposed significant changes to local government structures across New Zealand, including the potential establishment of new unitary authorities and changes to council boundaries.

Councils could choose to submit a proposal with other Councils to the Headstart Pathway by 9 August or wait and have a decision made for them by Central Government.

We have submitted a proposal to this pathway, along with Mackenzie District Council, Timaru District Council and Waimate District Council. Our joint proposal includes all of the Waitaki district, as well as Ashburton district.

Dunedin City Council and Queenstown Lakes District Council have submitted a proposal that can include all or part of Waitaki. As well, Clutha District Council, along with Central Otago District Council have submitted a proposal that includes themselves as well as Queenstown Lakes District Council and potentially parts of Waitaki district.

We are now asking our Waihemo residents and ratepayers to give us their thoughts on what proposal they feel their community belongs with.