7 August 2026
Chamber Board Position On Southland Local Government Reorganisation
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the Chamber’s recent member surveys on Southland’s local government reorganisation. We appreciate the considered feedback, practical insights, and range of views shared by members across both rounds of engagement.
After reviewing the survey results and the themes raised, the Southland Business Chamber Board has resolved to support Invercargill City Council’s One Southland Head Start proposal for a single Southland-wide unitary authority, subject to safeguards being central to the design process.
Members were clear that they want a simpler, more coordinated local government model, but also that reform must protect meaningful local voice, rural and small-community representation, accessible decision-making, local boards or equivalent mechanisms, partnership with Mana Whenua, and strong environmental and natural-resource accountability.