Public notice: Southland reorganisation investigation – reorganisation investigation process adopted

Estimated date

Investigation step

Oct-Nov 2025

Commission publicly notifies final investigation process

Nov 2025 – Mar 2026

Investigation phase 1 – Scoping exercise

Objectives:

·         Issues definition

·         Identification of opportunities, constraints or exclusions of investigation

·         Consideration of criteria for assessing information

·         Understand community aspirations and priorities for local government in Southland

 Will include:

·         In-person meetings and ongoing, iterative engagement with councils and Te Ao Mārama Incorporated, on behalf of Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku and Papatipu Rūnanga

·         Initial engagement with key stakeholders and wider community. Engagement opportunities may include in-person, virtual, and other opportunities to engage

·         At the end of phase 1, a Commission report setting out its findings on the objectives

·         If required, early close of investigation

Mar-Aug 2026

Investigation phase 2 – deep dive investigation

Objectives:

·         Detailed understanding of issues as defined in scoping exercise

·         Detailed understanding of communities of interest

·         Detailed understanding of impact of potential options for Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku and Papatipu Rūnanga

·         In-depth analysis of options against legislative factors (Appendix E)

 Will include:

·         Ongoing, iterative engagement with councils and Te Ao Mārama Incorporated, on behalf of Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku and Papatipu Rūnanga

·         In-depth engagement with key stakeholders and wider community. Engagement may include in-person, virtual and other opportunities to engage

·         Cost-benefit analysis of potential reorganisation options, alongside the other legislative factors relating to reorganisation (Appendix E)

·         At the end of phase 2, a Commission report setting out its findings on the objectives. This may include the release of a draft reorganisation plan (triggering the commencement of phase 3 and associated consultation period)

·         If required, early close of investigation

Sep 2026 – Feb 2027

Investigation phase 3 – draft reorganisation plan (if required)

Objectives:

·         Draft reorganisation plan released

·         Formal consultation process

 Will include:

·         Commission explanation of contents of draft reorganisation plan[1]

·         Formal submissions period

·         Meetings and/or hearings, with in-person and virtual options

·         If required, early close of investigation

Mar – Aug  2027

·         Close of investigation

·         Final reorganisation plan (if required)

·         Poll of electors held, if required (to be held approximately 3 months after notice is given to the electoral officer)

·         Next steps are set out below