Water entity stakeholders group elect lead roles

Clutha District Council Mayor Jock Martin has been elected as the Chair of the newly established Southern Waters’ Stakeholders’ Representative Group.

The group, which has two representatives from each Southern Waters shareholding council (Central Otago, Clutha, Gore and Waitaki District Councils), as well as provision for two mana whenua and one rural water member, held its first meeting yesterday (30 April).

The main purpose of the meeting was procedural, with the election of a chair and deputy chair, and the adoption of its terms of reference and standing orders.

First-term Waitaki District councillor Frans Schlack was elected deputy chair.

The Stakeholders’ Representative Group (SRSG) sets expectations and monitors the performance of Southern Waters on behalf of shareholders.

Among the first key tasks for the SRG will be selecting additional directors to support Southern Waters’ Establishment Chair Bruce Gemmell and progressing the development of a Statement of Expectations.

This document outlines the SRG’s strategic priorities, performance expectations, and the outcomes it should achieve for the communities Southern Waters serves.

The Statement of Expectation also serves as a key accountability mechanism under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025.

Stakeholders’ Representative Group members are:

• Central Otago District Council:
Mayor Tamah Alley and Cr Cheryl Laws

• Clutha District Council:
Mayor Jock Martin and Cr Roger Cotton

• Gore District Council:
Mayor Ben Bell and Cr Neville Phillips

• Waitaki District Council:
Mayor Mel Tavendale and Cr Frans Schlack

Mana whenua and rural water representatives have yet to be named. SRG