Role of Council

The Southland District Council was established in 1989 when New Zealand local government was reorganised.

Various councils, including the Wallace County Council, Southland County Council, Stewart Island County Council and Winton Borough Council, were amalgamated to create the Southland District Council, which inherited all the assets and services, including the roading and bridges network, water and waste services in the urban areas, health and building inspections and planning.

Council now manages about 5000km of roads, 13 urban water supplies, 11 rural water supplies, 17 sewerage schemes, 34 cemeteries, community halls, 69 community housing units, 10 libraries and one mobile library service, 150 reserves and parks, and much much more.

Its role not only encompasses the management and improvement of physical assets such as roads and bridges, but also the Southland communities' social, economic, cultural and environmental wellbeing.

Council has also become active in speaking out on behalf of Southland and continues to represent the District in Wellington on matters such as health, community services, funding policies, education and employment.

Council has as its vision "Thriving healthy communities whose economic, cultural and social wellbeings and opportunities are supported by excellent infrastructure, services and amenities within a high quality environment."

To do that, its guiding principle is "People First."

Council's mission is "Working together for a better Southland."

Council's logo represents the hills, mountains and rivers of Southland.. It includes our guiding principle of People First and our name gifted to us by Ngai Tahu - Te Rohe Põtae O Murihiku. This is translated to "an all-encompassing shelter for the people of Southland." 

 Council is responsible for:

• Managing the roading network
• Managing the water supply network
• Managing the wastewater network
• Looking after community infrastructure, such as libraries, footpaths, halls, community housing, cemeteries, parks and reserves
• Informing and consulting with ratepayers and residents
• Looking after the District's physical and natural resources in a sustainable way
• Making sure the law is adhered to, in terms of environmental health, dog control and building
• Planning the District's strategic direction
• Working with communities to find solutions to local issues and needs
• Advocacy at a national level and with other local authorities and agencies
• Making sure communities are prepared to deal with civil defence emergencies and processes are in place to manage any emergency
  To pay for this, Council sets rates every year.

Council, along with the Invercargill City Council and the Gore District Council, has established Venture Southland. Venture is responsible for the advancement and coordination of activities within the Southland region including, tourism, economic and business development, promotion and marketing of the region, community development and events management.

Councils in Southland have been proactive in working together and other agencies Council is involved in are:

Road Safety Southland
Southern Rural Fire Authority
Wastenet

In 20 years, the Southland District Council has established a strong base to manage the province and its needs both now and in the future.