Data compiled by consultancy Morrison Low could be available at the end of next week to aid discussions, Dunedin city councillors were told at a meeting on Thursday.
The Dunedin City Council, Otago Regional Council and the Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago, Clutha and Waitaki district councils have begun to weigh up potential for mergers.
Options to be explored include a single Otago unitary authority, sub-regional arrangements such as an inland-coastal split, the status quo and cross-boundary configurations.
The impetus comes from a government-imposed deadline of August 9 for councils that want to proactively pitch an outline for how local government could be rearranged in their area.
Otago councils have yet to decide on a preferred approach or whether they wish to meet the deadline of getting a head start on reform.
Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker said it was important for their approach to be informed by data.
The city council needed to think about how it would protect its assets, such as its companies, she said.
‘‘We have to do due diligence on the other councils as well, around their challenges and opportunities, and make a really well-informed decision for our community.’’
The Otago Mayoral Forum was leading the work, she said.
A report for the city council said the Otago Regional Council was providing regional leadership and co-ordination, including iwi engagement, community engagement co-ordination, and liaison with central government.
‘‘The programme is intended to develop a robust evidence base to support consideration of local government reform options across Otago, while ensuring communities, mana whenua and neighbouring councils have opportunities to contribute to the process,’’ it said.
Morrison Low had been engaged to provide independent analysis, modelling and technical advice.
The city council said the Morrison Low analysis was estimated to cost $60,000.
The regional council was covering a third and the balance was being shared between the other councils on a pro-rata basis, based on population.
Dunedin City Council’s share was $21,200.
The estimated cost for the district councils was $7900 for Queenstown Lakes, $4000 for Central Otago, $3900 for Waitaki and $3000 for Clutha.
City councillor Andrew Simms said reform presented an opportunity for the city and region.
‘‘It’s an opportunity to form a powerhouse region with a strong, growing economy and a diversity that most regions would die for.’’
Cr Jo Galer said she was worried about what the government’s intentions might be if Otago’s councils did not proactively outline a proposal, but the situation was also an opportunity to maintain the city’s strength.
Cr Lee Vandervis said a unitary council should produce significant savings, including through redundancies.
He challenged the mayor’s argument that data was important for producing the best decision and he called for leadership.
‘‘We need a concept put out there for the public of Dunedin to engage with.’’
Cr Mickey Treadwell said it appeared a change of government at this year’s general election would not halt reform.
‘‘This is happening, and I don’t think people have really grappled with that.’’
