Request for reorganisation of local government in Southland
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Receipt of reorganisation initiative
On 21 February 2025, Southland District Council lodged a local government reorganisation initiative with the Local Government Commission under section 24(1)(c) and (f) of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act), seeking two unitary authorities for Southland. The Commission agrees that the reorganisation initiative is a valid initiative, containing the information required by Schedule 3, clause 4 of the Act.
You can read the original reorganisation initiative here:
Reorganisation initiative: Southland (PDF, 612 KB)
The Commission also received a letter of support from the Mayor of Southland District Council.
You can read the letter of support from the Southland District Council Mayor here:
Mayor support letter: Southland reorganisation (PDF, 278 KB)
The Commission will now consult with affected local authorities on the factors it must consider when deciding whether to investigate the initiative (listed in Schedule 3, clause 6 of the Act). The four affected local authorities are; Gore District Council, Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council and Southland Regional Council (Environment Southland).
The Commission will also engage with Te Ao Mārama Incorporated, representing the four rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku, being Te Rūnaka o Awarua, Hokonui Rūnanga, Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka, and Waihōpai Rūnaka.
From there, the Commission will decide whether to investigate the reorganisation initiative.
Agreement to investigate reorganisation initiative
On 7 July 2025 the Commission agreed to undertake a reorganisation investigation in relation to the Southland District Council reorganisation initiative.
Having agreed to investigate the initiative, the Commission notified the affected local authorities, iwi.
You can read the Commission's decision here:
Decision to investigate Southland District Council reorganisation initiative (PDF, 217 KB)
Frequently asked questions
You can read FAQs related to the Southland reorganisation initiative here, along with a flowchart outlining the process of Commission led reorganisations.
Southland reorganisation FAQs (PDF, 203 KB)
Next step:
Commission drafts, adopts and notifies investigation process document after consultation with affected local authorities, iwi and hapū.