Environment Southland

Invercargill-Rakiura Constituency
Environment Southland is the regional council for Southland. It makes decisions about managing resources in the region, such as air, water, soil and the coastline. It also carries out plant and pest control, helps prepare for natural disasters, and is involved in regional transport. The council is made up of 12 councillors. Councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region). six councillors will be elected from the Invercargill-Rakiura  constituency. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Environment Southland election.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

  • Deepen public engagement by using modern tools and community events to ensure all voices are heard.

    Lead by example with transparent governance, fair wages, and a culture of openness across council operations.

    Strengthen partnership with mana whenua and community through genuine collaboration and shared decision-making.

  • Maintain strong iwi connections with all four Southland papatipu rūnanga and support the importance of tikanga Māori.

    Understand what communities need and want. This is very important and have good people skills.

  • Appoint an ES CEO committed to true consultation and engagement, working to build a culture that empowers staff and strengthens communities.

    Hold the line on iwi engagement and shared decision-making, using Mātauranga Māori to guide Southland's resilience for future generations.

    Improve community trust by holding regular open forums discussing council activity, strategy choices and long-term plans in simple language.

  • Deepen public engagement by using modern tools and community events to ensure all voices are heard.

    Lead by example with transparent governance, fair wages, and a culture of openness across council operations.

    Strengthen partnership with mana whenua and community through genuine collaboration and shared decision-making.

  • Maintain strong iwi connections with all four Southland papatipu rūnanga and support the importance of tikanga Māori.

    Understand what communities need and want. This is very important and have good people skills.

  • Appoint an ES CEO committed to true consultation and engagement, working to build a culture that empowers staff and strengthens communities.

    Hold the line on iwi engagement and shared decision-making, using Mātauranga Māori to guide Southland's resilience for future generations.

    Improve community trust by holding regular open forums discussing council activity, strategy choices and long-term plans in simple language.