TVNZ's two-week consultation period on its proposal to cut two Dunedin-based staff ended last night.
Earlier this month, the state-owned broadcaster proposed to disestablish Ms Martin's part-time reporter role and a full-time cameraman-editor role.
If the proposal went ahead, a reporter and cameraman-editor would cover a 65,588sq km area in the South.
TVNZ head of news and current affairs John Gillespie said the proposal included changes to newsroom roles across New Zealand, with possible staff redeployment.
He estimated up to 10 roles could be affected.
After Mr Gillespie's announcement, a social media page was set up
and includes messages from Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper, Waitaki deputy mayor Hugh Perkins, Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt and Gore Mayor Tracy Hicks imploring TVNZ to keep Ms Martin.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull said yesterday he was concerned about the reduction of television coverage of the South.
''Half of the South Island will soon be covered by almost no-one,'' he said.
A TVNZ spokeswoman said yesterday TVNZ was reviewing all feedback received in relation to the proposed changes in news and current affairs.
''TVNZ is first and foremost taking into account the voice of its own people but also acknowledges the concerns being raised in the Southland and Otago regions,'' she said.
Ms Martin declined to comment yesterday.
• It is understood TV3's news department in Dunedin has been halved with the resignation of reporter Brooke Gardiner.
Mediaworks, which owns TV3, would not say if the vacant position would be filled.
''We still have coverage of Otago and Southland through reporter Dave Goosselink and a camera operator.
A decision on the vacancy arising from Brooke's departure will be made in due course,'' a Mediaworks spokeswoman said.
