Central Otago District Council scores top marks for community engagement – Te Korowai
29 January 2026
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has been awarded a positive evaluation by LGNZ’s Te Korowai local government continuous improvement programme, with the council receiving a standout mark for its communications and engagement.
LGNZ’s Te Korowai supports councils through independent performance evaluation, prioritising, decision making and action planning every three years. The programme provides councils with insights and tools to strengthen governance, leadership, decision-making, transparency, and engagement with community.
Te Korowai’s Independent Evaluation Panel has awarded CODC with a Mauri Tū or 'Active' development benchmark overall in its evaluation report. This included a Mauri Ora mark — the highest ranking — for its communications and engagement.
Mayor Tamah Alley says the evaluation is evidence that CODC is on the right path.
“This independent evaluation confirms that council is on a strong trajectory, with solid foundations and a clear commitment to doing right by our communities. We’re proud to be recognised for strong leadership, a thriving communications approach, and an organisation that’s actively improving while staying focused on what matters most for Central Otago,” says Mayor Alley.
“We know there’s more work to do, particularly in areas like resource consenting, long term financial planning and major infrastructure renewals, and we’re taking these recommendations seriously as we keep strengthening how we serve our district.”
Te Korowai Chair Toby Stevenson says the report recognises CODC as a council that has worked hard to re-shape itself to provide maximum benefit to the community.
“It’s clear from the reports that CODC enjoys a solid organisational culture of wellbeing and strong, respected leadership. They have shown considerable development of capability in, and thinking about, future management of water assets - culminating in a decision to form a water CCO with neighbouring councils,” says Toby Stevenson.
“The council was previously structured around four wards, with councillors rubber-stamping community board decisions. Now, the council is well into modernisation of its decision-making with a focus on the district, rather than through the lens of the wards; it calls this ‘districtisation’. This means CODC is now in a stronger position to make spending decisions in the interests of the whole district, while the boards are able to remain as strong voices for their communities.”
“CODC has a strong and positive reputation in its community. It has managed the issues of water reforms and districtisation effectively and in a manner showing a willingness to engage with and listen to its communities.
“The council demonstrates strong governance and effective management under the leadership of the chief executive and Mayor. These strengths undoubtedly reinforce its reputation with the community.”
CEO Peter Kelly says the staff and elected members should be proud of the progress made by council over the past few years.
"The Independent Evaluation Report highlights the significant progress we’ve made as a council in governance, financial management, service delivery, and community engagement. It recognises our strong leadership, commitment to continuous improvement, and the positive culture we’ve fostered within our organisation.
“Alongside these achievements, we acknowledge the areas for improvement and remain committed to addressing challenges, enhancing transparency, and delivering value for our community.”