Cnr Sarah Greaney, Southland District Council

17/03/2026

This is an opportunity for our community to engage with the Commission regarding the representation review. I encourage anyone who is interested in the amalgamation proposal to come along to this meeting.

It’s time to have your say about the future of local government in Southland.

Southland District Mayor Rob Scott proposed a reorganisation of local government in Southland 18 months ago, which recommended reducing the four councils we have now into two unitaries – one for Invercargill city and one for the rest of Southland. This would see the regional council responsibilities merged into the two unitaries.

Mr Scott says this proposal will reduce cost, improve efficiency, reduce complexity and keep the local in community decision-making. There’s also more alignment in catchments and the ability to have a one-stop shop for consenting. One of the essential principles is the retention of a local voice and empowering the community boards and river liaison committees to be able to do more through further delegations.

The Local Government Commission is the central government agency which will decide on this, and it determined in July 2025 the proposal met the criteria for investigation. That would include engagement with the communities across Southland, and this has started this week, with an online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q7FMZS8 This closes on 10 April.

The LGC is also coming south next week to hold physical meetings around the district as per the schedule below. Make sure you take the chance to share your views with the commission.

If you want more information on Mr Scott’s proposal, go to southlanddc.govt.nz and click on Local government reorganisation in the Quicklinks.

19/02/2026

Your help is needed:

We have two surveys out at the moment. Both are crucial so we understand what people’s future housing needs are alongside understanding what our businesses need to growth and flourish.

The housing survey is relevant to everyone so if you are a local resident it would be great to have your feedback here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GSHousing2026

For our businesses, please can you complete this survey too: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W7SCYVB

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

29/10/2025

Very proud and privileged to be back around the Council table for a second triennium. Looking forward to all the discussion and decision making that will make Southland a better place for our people.

A special moment today as our newly elected Council for the 2025-2028 triennium made their declarations in chambers and got under way with their first meeting.
Pictured (standing, back, from left) are Cr Matt Wilson, Cr Paul Duffy, Cr Tom O'Brien, Cr Sarah Greaney, Cr Jon Spraggon, Cr Jaspreet Boparai, Cr Michael Weusten, Cr Brian Somerville, Cr Philip Dobson and Cr Don Byars; (sitting) Deputy Mayor Christine Menzies, Mayor Rob Scott, chief executive Cameron McIntosh and Cr Julie Keast (standing).

25/10/2025

It's been an interesting few days navigating our power and cellphone outage. We understand that there are still some places that don't have power. Powernet have a range of advisory messages on their page which you can check out here.

I also want to acknowledge all the trades that helped to hook up generators and keep our communities connected, fed, housed and informed (as much as was possible). It's not just about hooking up generators, they also need to be unhooked again afterwards resulting in many hours of work. There were also a few power surges when the power came back on resulting in a few electrical issues. These are also being prioritised and resolved.

Fiordland Community House has reported that they have no significant issues to deal with now. If you do need help they can still be contacted.

Thank you to you all.

https://www.facebook.com/PowerNetNZ

PowerNet is an electricity network management company delivering safe, efficient and reliable power

09/10/2025

So pleased to see the Mararoa Waimea Ward residents step up today with voting. Another 110 people voted today bringing the percentage of voters to 37.50 in our ward. This is higher than the Southland average of 34.85%.
There's still time to get your vote in and have your say for who you'd like to see as Mayor and who you want on your Community Board.
There's an orange voting bin at Fresh Choice where you can still cast your vote.

06/10/2025

Still time to get your vote in. Look out for the orange bins around the district and have your say.

The countdown is on.
We're currently at 27.47% and would like to reach 50%.

5 days left to get your votes in. Have your say, Southland!

27/09/2025

I would encourage all our operators and anyone interested in what's happening through the Milford Corridor to attend this meeting. There will be key DOC staff present to hear about your thoughts, impressions and concerns.

The Milford Opportunities Project (2017 to 2024) explored ways to do tourism differently at Piopiotahi and along the Milford Road corridor for the benefit of people and place.

03/08/2025

Advocate Communications

28/07/2025

I'm very happy to share that I will be seeking reelection to Southland District Council in the upcoming local body elections in October 2025.

Authorized by Sarah Greaney
[email protected]

27/06/2025

Great to be at the formal opening of this new water facility in Manapouri today. It's a credit to Council staff and all the other people involved.

13/05/2025

Interesting day in Wellington at the Airports meeting with some good dialogue from Ministers Meager and Upston plus other representatives from Councils and airport managers.