May update: Chief Executives Forum

The Chief Executives Forum met at Selwyn District Council on 4 May 2026.

Key agenda items

Regional Spatial Planning requirements under the proposed Planning Bill, including:
- draft options for the scope of work for the development of the regional spatial plan and consideration of the make-up of the Waitaha Canterbury Regional Spatial Plan Committee structure
- noting that any decision on the structure and membership of the Spatial Plan Committee must be ratified by each council before it can take effect
Mayoral Forum’s Plan for Canterbury – consideration of the draft Plan, accompanying “elevator pitch” and updates to World– stage Ready material as a suite of documents to underpin Mayoral Forum leadership, collaboration and advocacy
An update on the implementation of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, including:
- progress on establishment of local leadership groups
- the regulatory context, and ongoing work to align CWMS priorities with national freshwater reform
- the outcome of the $500,000 contestable action plan fund, with 37 projects approved for full or partial funding
An update on implementation of the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan, noting progress against actions, including low emissions transition planning, receipt of the final Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment for Waitaha Canterbury’s Ecosystems, and preparation for a strategic review of the plan
Progress on the proposed scope of work and potential priority investment areas for a future regional deal, noting that the work is being framed as an investment proposition for Canterbury
Progress on the Canterbury Energy workstream, including a revised Regional Energy Strategic Framework, and ongoing engagement with stakeholders, mana whenua and community groups
An update from the Regional Public Service Commissioner on current priorities including cross agency collaboration, current system pressures, and emerging central government priorities relevant to the region
Regional forums update – an update on recent activity at the various regional forums, and alignment of the regional forums budget with 2025–2028 Mayoral Forum’s Plan for Canterbury.