A St Bathans resident calling for the South Island to be "self-governing" has arranged a meeting in Omakau Hall tomorrow to gauge support for the idea.
Brian Jackson, who describes himself as a writer and semi-retired mining engineer, said he had received positive feedback about the suggestion.
"It's something I've been thinking about for a couple of years. There seems to be a lack of local control and I think the answer is a return to the provincial system of government that existed between 1850 and 1876."
A South Island parliament could be set up, with members elected from a provincial council.
Responsibility for police, education, health and welfare, courts and justice, planning matters and broadcasting would all devolve to the provincial council, Mr Jackson said.
"I am intending the meeting address the structural problems of our governance, rather than the various issues that different people are passionate about.
"What is needed is an overhaul of the machinery under which all issues are decided."
The meeting starts at 2pm tomorrow.
