August update: Chief Executives Forum

The Chief Executives Forum met at Selwyn District Council on 3 August 2026.

Key agenda items

An update on member councils deliberations on the Simplifying Local Government process
Waitaha Canterbury Regional Spatial:
- establishment of a programme secretariat including approval of a recruitment plan for the Waitaha Canterbury Regional Spatial Plan Programme Director
- agreement to invoice all Canterbury councils for a proportionate share of the establishment costs for the Waitaha Canterbury Regional Spatial Plan programme
- discussion on the workstreams required to support the development of the Waitaha Canterbury Regional Spatial Plan
An update on implementation of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, noting
- central governments reform programme will have significant implications for the CWMS implementation
- a review of the CWMS will be undertaken when final reform decisions are known and will include mana whenua and community views
- in the interim, where there is local support for leadership groups these will be progressed and supported
An update on the preparation of the 2027-2037 Regional Land Transport Plan, noting the constrained funding environment at both council and national level. While acknowledging funding constraints, Council Long Term Plans will be identifying the work programme required to maintain the transport network within their respective boundaries
An update on implementation of the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan and agreement to recommend to the Mayoral Forum to proceed with year 3 implementation based on full utilisation of carried forward funding, and a contribution towards year three funding The focus for year 3 will be on progressing Actions 1 (risk visualisation tool), 2 (emissions reduction), 4 (nature-based solutions), 6 (supporting Papatipu Rūnanga) and 10 (project management)
Progress on the development Waitaha Canterbury Regional Investment Prospectus
Progress on the Canterbury Energy workstream, particularly the Regional Energy Strategic Framework and Regional Energy Action Plan
An update from the Regional Public Service Commissioner on current priorities including:
- H5N1 update
- regional public service leads will be holding discussions with Ara Polytechnic regarding regional work skills, with a specific update to be provided for district
- importance of maintaining cross boundary work on areas such as biosecurity and emergency management during local government reform
Regional forums update – an update on recent activity at the various regional forums, noting the 2025/26 regional forums expenditure report and approval of the regional forums 2026/27 budget.