Otago Regional Council revives transport liaison groups

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has endorsed the re-establishment of transport liaison groups in Dunedin and Queenstown. This move is intended to strengthen feedback from public transport users, operators, and community representatives while improving communication between council governance, staff, and customers.

These advisory forums will meet at least three times a year, specifically in February, July, and October. The proposed membership is designed to be inclusive, seeking representation from elected members, territorial authorities, transport operators, and regular users. The groups will also incorporate perspectives from Māori, accessibility and Total Mobility interests, as well as sectors including education, health, business, migrant communities, and sports.

Council members have already been appointed to the groups, including Chair Calvert and Councillor Somerville for the Dunedin group, and Councillors Gillespie and Hollyer for the Queenstown group. A further update with finalized membership details is expected to be presented to the council in November.