More than 100 Canterbury leaders have gathered to discuss how proposed local government reforms could shape the region’s future.

Elected members, chief executives and mana whenua representatives attended the Canterbury Local Government Summit on Simplifying Local Government, hosted by Environment Canterbury and the Canterbury Mayoral Forum at Lincoln University.

The summit focused on building a shared understanding of the opportunities and challenges arising from the Government’s proposed reforms, including what they could mean for regional service delivery, planning and environmental management.

Participants considered the regional services, environmental challenges, partnerships and future decisions that will shape Canterbury over the coming decades.

Mana whenua encouraged those attending to think intergenerationally and to consider opportunities at a Ngāi Tahu takiwā and South Island scale.

Canterbury Mayoral Forum Chair Nigel Bowen said there was agreement in principle among Canterbury councils to continue developing a regional proposal, with further work to take place before the 9 August deadline for submissions to Government.

“Ultimately, the decisions belong to elected members and the communities they represent. We’re making sure no district is left out of the conversation and that any proposal Canterbury submits to Government reflects the realities of both our urban and rural communities,” Bowen said.

A key theme of the summit was ensuring all parts of Canterbury remain part of future conversations, and that local communities continue to have a strong voice in decisions about local and regional services.

Participants also noted the Government’s timeframes were creating significant challenges for councils.

Environment Canterbury councillors led discussions on the range of services currently delivered at a regional level, including freshwater management, biodiversity, biosecurity, science and environmental monitoring, public transport and catchment management.

Those sessions highlighted how interconnected many regional functions are, and the importance of understanding how they would continue to be delivered effectively under any future governance model.

Environment Canterbury Chair Deon Swiggs said the day was focused on building knowledge and supporting informed decision-making.

“The key message from the day has been that while the shape of future local government remains uncertain, we have an opportunity to shape it,” Swiggs said.

“There is a clear desire from Canterbury leaders for us all to work together, build a common understanding of the issues, and ensure communities continue to receive the services they rely on throughout any transition or change.

“Justin Tipa, Kaiwhakahaere of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, and Papatipu Rūnanga representatives in the room challenged elected members to think about the visionary opportunities for future generations and to consider what we can do at a takiwā scale,” he said.

The Canterbury Mayoral Forum will meet again on 6 July to continue discussions and further develop a proposal for Canterbury’s future local government arrangements.

Councils across the region are also continuing their own district-level processes.