Local Governance Statement 2022

The Otago Regional Council’s Local Governance Statement is a collection of information about the way the Council conducts its affairs, supports the purpose of local government and promotes local democracy.  Council is required to product this statement under Part 4, Sec 40 of the Local Government Act 2002.

Through following the Governance Statement links below, information can be can accessed on this website with details about what we do, what legislation we work under and the responsibilities we have under that legislation, how we consult and what our management processes are.

Regional Councils

Regional Councils promote the sustainable development and enhancement of natural and physical resources for the benefit of present and future generations, including:

• Managing freshwater, land, air and coastal waters
• Regional emergency management and civil defence preparedness
• Regional land transport planning and contracting passenger services
• Harbour navigation and safety, oil spills and other marine pollution
  
  

City and District Councils

City and District Councils meet the daily needs of the community including:

• managing roading
• providing reticulated water and public amenities
• disposing of waste and sewage
• overseeing land subdivisions and building developments
• providing community facilities such as libraries, art galleries and recreation facilities

Find out more information here about the role of regional councils versus city/district councils. 

Functions and Responsibilities

Bylaws of the Otago Regional Council:

• • Otago Navigation Safety Bylaw
  • Flood Protection Management Bylaw 2022
    
    

Electoral System and the opportunity to change it

Representation Arrangements including establishment of Māori wards

Members Roles and Conduct

• • Chairperson and Councillors
    
    

Governance Structures and Processes, Memberships and Delegations

• • Committee Structure Membership and Representation 2022-2025 (amended 22/02/23)
  • Otago Regional Council Delegations Manual (09 November 2022)
    
    

Meeting processes

• • Council and Committee Agendas, Minutes and videos
  • Calendar of Meetings
  • Standing Orders – Rules and procedures for conduct of Council and Committee Meetings
  • Information for attending Council/Committee Meetings and Public Forum
    
    

Consultation policies

Policies for liaising with, and memoranda or agreements with, Māori

Significance, Engagement and Māori Participation Policy

Management Structures and Relationships

Equal Employment Opportunities Policy

Key Approved Planning and Policy Documents

Systems for public access to elected members

Processes for Requests for Official Information