Decision to investigate reorganisation of local government in the Southland Region

The Local Government Commission has decided to investigate reorganisation of local government in the Southland Region. 

This decision was triggered by a reorganisation initiative received from Southland District Council in February 2025. Southland District Council’s initiative proposed two unitary authorities for Southland, one focused on the current Invercargill City area, and the other focused on the current Southland and Gore Districts. 

The Local Government Commission consulted with Gore District Council, Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council and Southland Regional Council (Environment Southland), and engaged with Te Ao Mārama Incorporated, on behalf of Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku. The Commission decided to undertake an investigation on 7 July 2025. 

The Commission assessed all information received against the factors specified in clause 6, Schedule 3 of the Local Government Act 2002 before making its decision. The Commission considers there is sufficient potential to improve local government in Southland to justify an investigation into local government reorganisation. The decision is available on the Commission’s website. 

The next step is for the Commission to draft, adopt and notify an investigation process, in consultation with Southland councils and Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku.