The Waimate District Council has agreed to kick-start conversations with South Canterbury councils around potential amalgamation proposals.
Mayor Craig Rowley said while the government claimed the process was "voluntary", the council understood that was not the case.
"If we do not opt in to the ‘head start’ process, we will go through a compulsory backstop process with the government making decisions on our behalf.
"We want to ensure that no decisions are made about the future of our district without us at the table."
Mr Rowley said the council had considered a range of strategic, financial and operational factors while making this decision.
"This includes the opportunity to shape future governance arrangements versus the risk of reduced local input in decision making if we do not engage proactively."
It was also clear to the council after the May 14 public meeting that the public overwhelmingly supported Waimate claiming a seat at the table as equal, he said.
On May 25, Mr Rowley, deputy mayor Sandy McAlwee and chief executive Stuart Duncan will meet their counterparts from the Timaru, Ashburton, Mackenzie and Waitaki districts. — Allied Media
