If the Otago Regional Council still exists next year then at least there may not be any overall rates increases for 2026-2027.

At its meeting in Cromwell yesterday, councillors made what Dunstan ward councillor Michael Laws described as a “radical change” to propose the overall rates increase to 0% in its Annual Plan (2026-

2027).

News from central government about the possible demise of regional councils was discussed earlier in the meeting - chief executive Richard Saunders said a ‘summary’ paper would come back to the

ORC at its next meeting on December 9, followed by a submission period.

New chair Hilary Calvert said the proposed rates increase of 14% was not acceptable, and won the motion to direct the chief executive to prepare a draft annual plan work programme and budget with

0% increase in rates across the region.

Richard said the rating model for Otago was complex and the nature of its public transport contracts and others meant it would be difficult, if not impossible to achieve no increase for any ratepayer.

“But it is achievable in terms of an overall increase.”

Cr Gary Kelliher said he wanted to be satisfied that the intent of the proposal was to create a lasting new benchmark that the ORC will work from, as opposed to a short-term one off gain.

Hilary assured the council it was not a “kicking the can down the road exercise.”

Meanwhile, the new governance structure involving portfolios replacing some committees was decided at the meeting.

Hilary introduced the new structure at its inaugural meeting on November 5 meeting, that provides for decision-making to sit solely with council, complemented by portfolio leads. 

Council agreed at its last meeting to also continue consulting with mana whenua on a mutually agreeable way to incorporate representation into the new portfolio structure.

Michael will lead the strategy and customer portfolio with Hilary as co-chair, Matt Holyer will lead transport with Alan Somerville, Kevin Malcolm and Chanel Gardner will lead finance, Kate Wilson and

Neil Gillespie will lead policy and planning, Gary and Gretchen Robertson will lead the science and resilience portfolio, while Andrew Noone and Robbie Byars will be in charge of environmental

delivery.

Neil will represent the ORC on The Otago Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group Joint Committee, while Matt will join Gretchen on the Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal Negotiation

Committee.

Kate will chair the Otago Regional Transport Committee, and Kevin will co-chair the audit and risk committee with Andrew Douglas as an independent member.

Michael’s notice of motion to form a working party to review the ‘Strategic Directions 2024-2034’ document, ensuring alignment with the newly elected governance team, was won 8-4.

New Dunstan ward councillors Neil and Matt voted against the motion, along with Alan and former chair Gretchen.

The working party will be chaired by Michael and include Kevin, Hilary and Kate - the four highest polling candidates from the election.

Michael made a comment that the direction of the new council was now “fundamentally different.”