Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker said the city and its partners — the Clutha and Waitaki districts and Otago Regional Council — needed to establish clear priorities that would align with government policy.
The area had to look to get its share of government funding while keeping in mind any package would need to be affordable and worthwhile, she said.
City councillor Andrew Simms, who jointly leads the Dunedin City Council’s economic development portfolio with Ms Barker, said the government was open to targeted regional development programmes.
"We need to be at the forefront with our initiatives," Cr Simms said.
"The current and projected economic performance of the primary sector in the South Island should be attracting government attention as the South Island leads the economic recovery in New Zealand."
The coastal Otago alliance submitted a regional deal proposal to the Department of Internal Affairs earlier this year.
It was titled "Building economic development and provision of affordable housing opportunities in the Otago region", but details were scant.
Political will from the area’s mayors at the time appeared to be patchy or lukewarm.
The area has three new mayors since the election.
Waitaki District Mayor Melanie Tavendale said the council was open to revisiting discussions.
"Councillors and I see strong potential in working together on a regional deal and having a more co-ordinated approach."
Clutha District Mayor Jock Martin said positive synergies came out of the first Otago mayoral forum last week.
"Moving forward, we will be having some serious conversations on not just the Otago coastline, but the whole of Otago," he said.
Health facilities in the region were top of mind for him.
Cr Simms said he expected Dunedin would look to form its position quickly and engage more fully with its neighbours early next year.
Coastal Otago’s advantages and opportunities included its port facilities, agritech and tertiary education offerings, he said.
He wanted to see development of regional tourism product around Oamaru, the Otago Peninsula and the Catlins.
