Our consultation on the Annual Plan 2026-27 is now open. Click the link below to find out more and make a submission.
Waitaki District Council was formed in 1989 when four councils merged. These were the Waitaki County, Waihemo County, Palmerston Borough and Oamaru Borough councils.
Our district is the only one in the South Island that lies within two regions. This is mainly because of the Waitaki River, which forms the boundary between Canterbury and Otago. This is why we have two regional councils, the Otago Regional Council and the Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury).
About Waitaki District Council local government and the relationship with central government.
Meet our Mayor, councillors, and community board members.
Waitaki District Council structure comprises of the Mayor and 10 Councillors, with each Councillor representing a specific ward.
Waitaki District Council Committees are set up to deal with specialised local issues.
The Waitaki District is divided into 4 wards - Ahuriri Ward, Corriedale Ward, Oamaru Ward and Waihemo Ward that elect a total of 10 councillors (excluding the Mayor).
The Waitaki District Youth Council is a voice for young people in Waitaki, aimed at ensuring that Waitaki's youth are represented in local government.
Our executive team is led by the Chief Executive and supported by four directors, each responsible for a different area of our work.