Queenstown Lakes to work with Dunedin City Council on Head Start Proposal

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has today resolved to work with Dunedin City Council (DCC) to develop and submit a Head Start proposal supporting a twin unitary authority model for Otago, comprising an Inland Otago Unitary Authority and a Coastal Otago Unitary Authority.

Under the proposed model, Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts would form an Inland Otago Unitary Authority, while Dunedin, Clutha and potentially Waitaki districts would form a Coastal Otago Unitary Authority, with regional council functions delivered through an appropriate shared services arrangement.

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover said the decision recognised the need to actively participate in shaping the future of local government in Otago while keeping options open for the district.

“Today’s decision is about ensuring Queenstown Lakes has a seat at the table as proposals for local government reform are considered. It does not represent a final decision on any future council structure. Rather, it enables further exploration of a potential model and ensures our district contributes to that conversation.”

“We’re working within a very tight timeframe and these discussions have been challenging. However, where we've landed enables us to focus on what matters most to our communities and to continue exploring options that could support Otago's future.”

“Any significant changes to governance arrangements would require substantial further analysis, community consultation and Government consideration.”

The Government’s voluntary Head Start pathway enables groups of councils to develop locally led proposals for new governance arrangements, with outline proposals due by 9 August 2026. Councils that do not participate, or whose proposals are not approved, will move through the Government-led Backstop process following the 2028 local elections. Proposals will be assessed against criteria including governance simplification, economies of scale, deliverability and the maintenance of local representation.

Today’s decision follows several months of collaborative work undertaken through the Otago Mayoral Forum, including independent analysis, community engagement, and discussions with Ngāi Tahu and neighbouring councils.

While the Mayoral Forum initially held a shared view that preparing an agreed Head Start proposal by 9 August 2026 was impractical, based on the findings of reports, surveys and community discussions, councils explored the option of submitting a joint letter of intent. The letter was intended to outline the work undertaken to date and demonstrate a commitment to continued collaboration on future governance options.

The twin unitary model aligns with principles raised during regional discussions, including the importance of recognising communities of interest and adopting a catchment-based approach to governance. If accepted by Government, the proposal would enable more detailed design work to be undertaken in partnership with neighbouring councils, communities and Ngāi Tahu.

Officers from QLDC and DCC will now work together to finalise and submit the proposal ahead of the Government's 9 August Head Start deadline.

ENDS | KUA MUTU.

Media contact: 03 441 1802

communications@qldc.govt.nz

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri

Full wording of the resolution passed at today’s Council meeting:

That Full Council:

1. Note the contents of this report and its attachments;

2. Agree that QLDC does not support a unitary authority comprising QLDC, Central Otago District Council (CODC) and Clutha District Council (CDC) and:

i. Instruct the Chief Executive to prepare a letter to Minister Bishop and the Mayors of CODC and CDC to this effect.

ii. Authorise the Mayor to sign the abovementioned letter, subject to the review of all Councillors;

3. Agree to work with Dunedin City Council to develop and submit a Head Start proposal in support of a Two Unitary Catchment Based model comprising:

a. Inland Otago Unitary Authority; and

b. Coastal Otago Unitary Authority,

with regional council functions supported through an appropriate shared services arrangement;

4. Request staff to develop the Head Start proposal in conjunction with Dunedin City Council staff;

5. Authorise the Mayor to sign and submit the Head Start proposal following circulation of the final draft to all Councillors; and

6. Note that QLDC will continue to partner with Ngāi Tahu during the detailed design phases that will follow.