Ahuriri Community Board

10/06/2026

💬 - Let's talk about the future, Waitaki

The future of local government is being shaped right now — and this is our chance to help decide what it looks like for Waitaki.

As the Government’s Simplifying Local Government reforms get underway, we have a rare opportunity to shape representation in a way that is sustainable, affordable, and fit for future generations. But to make sure Waitaki’s voice is strong and well-informed, we need to hear from you.

Your views will help ensure every perspective is considered as we prepare our submission.

Waitaki District Council will hold four community meetings to discuss the Government’s proposed Simplifying Local Government reforms.

These will begin with a panel discussion with the Mayor, the Chief Executive, and community representatives; Otto Dogterom, Justin Tipa and Ian Hurst, followed by a Q and A.

The meetings will take place on;
• Monday 22 June 2026 – Otematata Community Hall – 6.30pm
• Thursday 25 June 2026 – Palmerston Sports Centre – 6.30pm
• Monday 29 June 2026 – Union Rugby Club, Ngapara – 6.30pm
• Wednesday 1 July 2026 – Oamaru Opera House Auditorium – 6.30pm

04/06/2026

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦: Ahuriri Community Board meeting rescheduled to Monday 6 July 2026

The 8 June 2026 Ahuriri Community Board meeting has been rescheduled to Monday 6 July 2026, as quorum was unlikely to be met on 8 June.

The meeting on the new date in July will be held at the Otematata Community Centre.

28/05/2026

🗣️: Let's Talk about Local Government Reform - SURVEY

In November 2025, the Government released a draft proposal for local government reform. On 5 May 2026, the Government followed this with an announcement on its intended policy. Two reform pathways were set out, including the ‘Head Start’ for which outline proposals are due by 9 August and the ‘Backstop’ pathway, which will be legislated in 2027 but does not have clear detail yet.

Our Council is embarking on conversations with other Councils now to explore what the options may look like for us. It’s important that our communities have a voice in these discussions too, and people are given the opportunity to have their say on reforming local government. We're asking you for your thoughts and what is important to you in this reform process.

Survey: https://www.letstalk.waitaki.govt.nz/lets-talk-surveys/surveys/lets-talk-about-local-government-reform

08/05/2026

ℹ️: Information about proposed Local Government Amalgamation

This week Minister Bishop and Minister Watts announced the next stage of their Simplifying Local Government reforms.

This will involve the abolition of regional councils, and the amalgamation of all City and District Councils into new unitary authorities.

There are two pathways towards amalgamation: Head Start, with a three month deadline for proposals, or the back stop, which the government will decide how to amalgamate Councils after the 2028 Local Elections.

Waitaki District Council is publishing the Government’s Head Start Pathway policy document for the community to read, providing a summary of the reforms, and a Frequently Asked Questions on our website today.

We invite the community to read exactly what the Government has asked Councils to do, and be aware of how any proposals may affect the future of Waitaki.

You can find all of the information here: https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/Council/Simplifying-Local-Government-Reforms

06/04/2026

🚶‍➡️: Community board approve safety upgrades in Kurow

The Ahuriri Community Board has signed off on the plan and budget for road safety improvements to connect footpaths in Kurow, with work beginning this week.

The plan was developed as a result of consultation between Waitaki Valley School and Waitaki District Council.

A new chipseal path will run from outside Waitaki Valley School to Settlement Road, with markers and signage identifying a separated footpath and a crossing point to connect with the existing pathway on Manse Road.

Where that path currently ends, marker poles, rubber kerb separators and a crossing point will link the Manse Road footpath to the existing Robinson Street footpath.

This will connect the school to the two currently separated walking paths on Manse and Robinson Road in an accessible way, using materials Council already has to hand.

This will connect previously disconnected paths in a way to provide a safe footpath for school students, parents and the wider community.

Media Release: https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/News/Community-board-approve-safety-upgrades-in-Kurow

30/03/2026

A reminder for users on the BUSHY CREEK supply.

💧: BOIL WATER NOTICE REMINDER - STONEBURN, BUSHY CREEK SUPPLIES

This is a reminder to all users on the STONEBURN and BUSHY CREEK SUPPLIES to BOIL WATER before use.

A Boil Water Notice means water (hot and cold) from any tap connected to the water supply must not be used for drinking, making up baby formula and juices, cooking, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, or brushing teeth. For these purposes use either boiled water or bottled water.

Council's Water Notices are here: https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/Services/Water-and-wastewater/Water-Notices

25/03/2026

👋 Hey North Otago, MetService has issued an Orange Heavy Rain Warning for your area from later this afternoon to early tomorrow morning and Coastal Dunedin has had a Strong Wind Watch issued. For all the details, see below👇

🟠Heavy Rain Warning🟠
Period: 13hrs from 5pm Thu, 26 Mar - 6am Fri, 27 Mar
Area: North Otago, also Canterbury south of Timaru and east Otematata.
Forecast: Expect 70 to 90 mm of rain about the ranges and lesser amounts at lower elevations and near the coast. Peak rates of 10 to 15 mm/h expected about the ranges from this evening.

Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

🟡Strong Wind Watch🟡
Period: 21hrs from 8pm Thu, 26 Mar - 5pm Fri, 27 Mar
Area: Coastal Dunedin
Forecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places, especially Otago Peninsula.

Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Keep up to date with all weather forecasts here:
https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -south

For State Highway information:
https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago

For local road information, see your district council website

Waitaki District Council Waitaki Valley Community Otago Regional Council Dunedin City Council

Image description: Map of the South Island highlighting yellow weather watches and orange weather warnings.

25/01/2026

💧: BOIL WATER NOTICE LIFTED - Otematata Supply Users

UPDATED MONDAY 2 FEBRUARY 09:00

Boil Water Notice has now been lifted as the quality of the water source has returned to a state which can be effectively treated.

Upper Waitaki Community News On the Spot Otematata Otematata Volunteer Fire Brigade Ōmārama Gazette

22/01/2026

💧: CONSERVE Water Notice LIFTED - Windsor Supply Users

Wednesday 28 January 16:30

Corriedale Water Management Ltd has advised users the Conserve Water request on the Windsor Rural Water Scheme is now lifted.

The Windsor water supply reservoir is full and water is flowing to Windsor water consumers tanks.

Thank you for your patience with this conserve water notice. Due to the pumps being off for an unusually long time it has taken longer than usual to fill everything up.

05/01/2026

OTEMATATA - BOIL WATER NOTICE LIFTED

12:24PM TUES 6 JAN 2026

The BOIL WATER notice for Otematata is now lifted.

The plant's water chlorination system did not switch over to a new bottle. Testing shows that Otematata's water was chlorinated to a safe level throughout this period, however the boil water notice was issued as a precautionary measure.

Thank you for your patience.

Upper Waitaki Community News, Ōmārama Gazette

https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/Public-Notices/Water/Otematata-Water-Notice