Mackenzie District Council

31/07/2026

❗Latest Update - Local Government Reform, Head Start ❗
On Wednesday this week (29 July) Mackenzie’s Councillors and Chief Executive met with elected members, mayors and chief executives from Ashburton, Timaru, Waimate and Waitaki District Councils.

Follow this link to read the details.
https://www.mackenzie.govt.nz/pages/mac-news/2026/head-start-this-weeks-actions

Details and updates on the Head Start process are also available from our Let's Talk page at: https://letstalk.mackenzie.govt.nz/local-government-reform-headstart

The Government is proposing the biggest shakeup to the way local government services are delivered across New Zealand since 1989. Councils across the motu have been invited to put forward proposals for new unitary authorities — councils that would combine both district

31/07/2026

Summary of decisions from today's Extra Ordinary Council Meeting including Head Start submissions.

At the Council Meeting on 31 July the elected members made the following key decisions.

31/07/2026

A Council Workshop will be held at Council Chambers, Fairlie on Tuesday 4 August 2026, starting at 9:30am.

The public are welcome to attend meetings. Occasionally times and venues change so please call and check beforehand. There is a public forum at the beginning of each Council and Community Board meeting and members of the public are invited to address Elected Members on relevant matters.
Agendas for scheduled meetings are available two days before the meeting (with the exception of late papers, which are added to the agenda when available). Agendas for extraordinary meetings are made available as soon as practicably possible. (Extraordinary meetings are meetings held outside the published meeting schedule and are called when a decision cannot wait until the next scheduled meeting).

Once published, agendas are available at - https://www.mackenzie.govt.nz/council/meetings-and-agendas

30/07/2026

Winter can bring unique challenges for rural Canterbury, snow, isolation, and disrupted access can impact both people and livestock.

Consider preparing for:
• Feed and water supplies if access is limited
• Backup plans if roads are closed
• Shelter and protection for stock
• Fuel and essential supplies for several days

Check your access routes. Are there alternative ways in or out if conditions change?

Early preparation is especially important in rural areas, where help may take longer to arrive during severe weather.

If you can support neighbours or share resources, that can make a big difference across your community.

👉 More about preparing your community here: https://www.cdemcanterbury.govt.nz/community-ready

30/07/2026

REMINDER - An Extraordinary Council Meeting is taking place on Friday 31 July 2026.
• 9:30am
• Council Chambers, Fairlie

This meeting is being livestreamed and will be available online at: https://vimeo.com/event/6075850

The public are welcome to attend meetings. Occasionally times and venues change so please call and check beforehand. There is a public forum at the beginning of each Council and Community Board meeting and members of the public are invited to address Elected Members on relevant matters.

Agendas for scheduled meetings are available two days before the meeting (with the exception of late papers, which are added to the agenda when available).

29/07/2026

♻️ Twizel Resource Recovery Park - Sunday opening time ♻️
The Twizel Resource Recovery Park will have a delayed opening time of 12:30pm on Sunday 2 August 2026.

Resource Recovery Parks are located at Fairlie, Tekapo and Twizel.

28/07/2026

The Creative Communities Fund supports and encourages arts activities within the Mackenzie District.
The first Creative NZ Mackenzie District funding round for 2026/2027 is open for applications, closing 5:00pm on Wednesday 19 August 2026.
We would love to hear if:

🔵You have an idea for a diverse art or cultural project
🔵You seek to engage young people in the arts
🔵Your project encourages community participation in arts and culture

Find out more and apply here

Supporting arts activities within the Mackenzie District.

28/07/2026

We are on the hunt for an administrative superstar to provide support to our Executive Leadership team as well as support to MDC’s governing bodies, including Council, committees, and community boards.
This is a diverse role which will see you interact with a range of people to ensure everything is running smoothly, to plan, and on time.
If this is you, find out more and apply here

Diverse role for an administrative superstar looking for a supporting role working. This role comes with a competitive salary and staff perks including health insurance and retail discounts.

28/07/2026

We're looking for a Public Facilities, Parks and Places Officer to assist with Council facilities, parks, and public spaces across the Mackenzie District.

Find out more and apply here - https://careers.mackenzie.govt.nz/jobs/8098496-public-facilities-parks-and-places-officer