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Our Council, Our Region

Our Council

We are responsible for sustainably managing Otago’s natural resources of land, air and water on behalf of our community.

Our main activities are:

  • Environment
  • Safety and resilience
  • Transport
  • Regional leadership

This includes:

  • Setting policies and rules to protect Otago’s water, land and air resources
  • Monitoring the environment – collecting data and knowledge to inform decision making
  • Responding to environmental incidents
  • Taking a lead role in pest management
  • Taking an active role in minimising risks from natural hazards
  • Keeping you safe along our coast and on our lakes and rivers through our Harbourmaster function
  • Civil Defence Emergency Management
  • Providing public transport in Dunedin and Queenstown (Orbus)
  • Providing support to community groups for environmental enhancement
  • Taking a lead role in responding to issues that affect Otago, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and urban development

ORC is also responsible for promoting the economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing of the region.

Our work covers all of Otago and our focus is on the environment and natural resources. What we do as a regional council is different from local city and district councils, who focus on meeting the day-to-day needs of their community through services like roading, three waters (drinking water, waste water and stormwater), building regulations, libraries, parks, recreation and city/town planning.

 

Organisational Structure

Otago Regional Council is governed by 12 councillors, elected by the residents of Otago every three years. We employ approximately 200 people who are based around the region.

Our main administrative centre is in Dunedin, with satellite offices in Alexandra and Queenstown, and depots in Balclutha, Oamaru, Wānaka and Cromwell.

Our work is overseen by Chief Executive Richard Saunders (Richard.Saunders@orc.govt.nz) and a team of five general managers.

 

Your Councillors

Your Otago Regional Councillors represent the region's four constituencies - Dunedin, Moeraki, Dunstan, and Molyneux. Read more

Local Governance Statement

Our Local Government Statement gives details about what we do, our legislative responsibilities, how we consult, and what our management processes are. Read more

Partnership with Kai Tahu

To recognise the value that engagement with mana whenua adds through the sharing of their knowledge and wisdom, Council works with Kāi Tahu, as mana whenua and representatives of the Treaty partner in the region. Read more

Roles and Responsibilities

Our activities and responsibilities are governed by a wide range of legislation. Read more

Local body elections

How and when to vote, stand as a candidate, and results for past local elections Read more

Privacy and official information requests

The Otago Regional Council is committed to conducting its day-to-day business openly and making decision-making processes and information available and accessible. Read more

Strategic Directions

Learn more about ORC's vision for Otago's environment and people now and for the future. Read more

Register of Members’ Pecuniary Interests

Read more

Council Representation Review

Every six years the Otago Regional Council looks at how well communities are represented by the council. We look at the structures in place, ensure there are enough councillors for each area within Otago, and seek feedback from those living in Otago about their views. Read more

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