Next week at Council – February 17 2026

Published on 12 February 2026

An update on Council’s Water Service Delivery Plan, parking and Government reform on the agenda.

Next Tuesday 17 February will see the first meeting of full Council of 2026 at the Council Chambers from 11am.

The Mayor’s report includes updates on progress with planning the future of Waitaki’s Water Services. Meetings have taken place with both Timaru and Mackenzie District Councils, as Waitaki District Council explores options for its Water Service Delivery Plan (WSDP).

Discussions have also progressed with Clutha, Central Otago and Gore Districts to find the most affordable and sustainable way to deliver water services to our communities. Crown Facilitator Amy Adams has also been assured that Waitaki is on track to resubmit a WSDP before the deadline of the end of June 2026.

The Mayor and Councillors will also consider the approach to the parking strategy for the Oamaru CBD, following changes implemented after a decision of Council made in May 2025. The report outlines the recent history of parking, the user-pays model which is designed to offset ratepayer subsidisation, and presents options for change, consultation or status quo.

Waitaki District Council’s submission on the proposed Simplifying Local Government reforms will also be considered by Council, before the 20 February submission deadline. The reforms proposed by the government envisage a shakeup of the local government system to simplify it and make it more efficient, including potentially the removal of regional councils and changes to local government responsibilities.

It will also retrospectively ratify Waitaki District Council’s submission on the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill, which seeks to replace the Resource Management Act. This is due to the deadline for submissions falling on 13 February.

The full agenda is on Council’s website now.

 ENDS

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