November update: Mayoral Forum

The Mayoral Forum held its first meeting of the term at the Commodore Hotel on Friday 25 November. Significant agenda items are summarised on this page.

View the full agenda (PDF 8mb)

Selecting a chair and endorsement of Triennial Agreement

Nigel Bowen, Mayor of Timaru District was elected the new Forum chair, with Marie Black, Mayor of Hurunui District, the new deputy chair. The Forum also endorsed a draft Triennial Agreement for ratification by member councils.

Climate change

The Forum agreed to establish a climate change action planning reference group to support and provide governance input into regional climate change adaptation planning, led by the Climate Change Working Group.

Biodiversity Champions

The Forum agreed to endorse the Biodiversity Champions councillor group being restarted this term, and agreement that Mayor Anne Munro would join the group to provide a stronger link to the Forum.

Developing a regional strategy

Members discussed the process to develop a regional strategy for the term, including a facilitated workshop to be held in January to help determine priorities and key actions for the term.

Flood management

Members received an update and presentation on regional councils’ business case for co-investment on flood management in the region.

Resource Management reform

Staff from the Ministry for the Environment attended and members discussed the model regions project and resource management reform more widely. Members agreed to write to the Environment Committee requesting an extended timeframe for making submissions on the resource management reform legislation.