The ‘‘critical’’ early talks were taking place as the government’s three-month deadline for the shake-up of local authorities draws closer, a statement from the Waitaki District Council yesterday said.
Councils could voluntarily come up with amalgamation plans with two or more neighbouring councils.
Failing to do so meant councils ‘‘risk being swept into a government-led backstop process’’, Waitaki District Mayor Mel Tavendale said.
Joining up with Southern Waters partners — Central Otago, Clutha and Gore — was one option being investigated, Mrs Tavendale confirmed to Allied Media.
Coastal-inland Otago, Otago-wide and South Canterbury options were also being explored, she said.
Community meetings would be held next month to discuss the reforms.
‘‘It is important that space be made for the community to be part of this conversation,’’ Mrs Tavendale said.
The council release said in recent weeks Mrs Tavendale had been ‘‘at the centre’’ of amalgamation discussions as chairwoman of the Otago Mayoral Forum, while also meeting the mayors of Waimate, Mackenzie and Timaru.
‘‘Next week, those conversations continue.
‘‘Meetings are planned with northern neighbouring council leaders from Waitaki through to Ashburton,’’ the statement added.
The reforms were an ‘‘opportunity to build services that are more affordable, more sustainable, and better equipped for the future’’, said Mrs Tavendale.
Council chief executive Alex Parmley said ‘‘put simply, there is no future in the status quo’’.
‘‘The government has made it clear that amalgamation is coming and councils that are not actively involved in the discussion risk having decisions made for them.’’
This was why it was ‘‘so important for Waitaki to have strong representation at the table’’, Mr Parmley said.
Resource Management Act Reform and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts announced the deadline for the proposed shake-up of local authorities in early May.
