The Southland Mayoral Forum today agreed to a proposal to form an organisation that will bring together local government, iwi, and community and business interests to lead regional and economic development opportunities, including tourism.
The proposal involves the creation of a council controlled organisation (CCO) with
- A skills based board of directors appointed by the council shareholders.
- The shareholders will be the province’s four councils – Gore District Council, Southland District Council, Invercargill City Council and Environment Southland – who will hold 75% of the shares
- With Ngāi Tahu, community and business interests holding the remaining 25% of shares.
whatsonivers.nz News asked local MP Sarah Dowie and Southland Chamber of Commerce Chair Carla Forbes for comment.
Local MP Sarah Dowie says
“It’s excellent news that the mayoral forum has agreed on the vehicle and its terms of reference to deliver on some of the goals set out in the regional strategy. this agreed way forward shows unity within the province that is invaluable in advocacy at a central government level – I will continue to support the sustainable development of our region.”
Southland Chamber of Commerce Chair Carla Forbes says
“Im thrilled at this milestone. The size of the prize is simply too big not to work together, we need to keep traction, we have to keep driving our region forward, but this is certainly positive for the future of Southland”
whatsoninvers.nz publisher Mike Sanford says “It’s a shame there is risk of getting caught up in the ‘extensive consultation’ – but overall what a great step forward for the region.”
Mayoral Forum chairman and Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks said this was just one-step, albeit a significant one, in getting an organisation in place to deliver the robust programme needed to achieve the Southland Regional Development Strategy’s goals.
“The proposal will go to the respective councils for their individual consideration and ratification over the next week or so.” Mr Hicks said it was planned to have a consultation document ready to go out by the end of July.
The consultation process will be a joint initiative involving all four councils. There will be submission hearings in Invercargill, Gore, Winton and Te Anau.
The hearings panel will involve representatives from all councils. Mr Hicks acknowledged that finalising details of the proposal had generated some “lively debate” around the mayoral forum table.
“The details have required compromises from all parties. However, we’re at the stage now here mayoral forum members unanimously endorse the proposed new organisation.”