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Who We Are

Advocates for change Central Otago is a not-for-profit group dedicated to promoting community awareness of council decisions that affect our communities.

As community watchdogs, we advocate for transparent communication to provide key information regarding local governance.

Together we strive to make a difference.

Supporting our Communities Through Change

Watch Dog Role

 The Central Otago District Council consists of an Elected Mayor and Councilor's and  4 community boards, as well as a staff of around 228 who are managed by the CEO.


Large and small decisions affecting our community are being made all the time through this local body structure.


We believe it is important as Ratepayers and Residents of Central Otago to be part of the process of Local Government resulting in the formation of our group, Advocates for Change Central Otago, in early 2026.


We believe consultation with the community who are impacted directly by council decisions, has and is lacking in many areas and needs to change. As has been made evident over time, we as a community can no longer stand by and expect decisions being made, will work in our best interests. For that change to happen it is important that an active watch in what is happening within the council is taken.


We are divided into Community boards and wards by legislation but we believe, in this effort for change to happen,  it is important we work together as a united Central Otago.


Our aim is to work together to achieve positive outcomes.

Join us in advocating for change by making our voices resonate in our Central Otago Community 

                  

 
 

Advocacy

We provide guidance and support to individuals navigating challenges with the Central Otago District Council. 

We help support people to:-


  • Find their voice and identify their concerns
  • Investigate all options available  
  • Express their views in an appropriate manner 
  • Stand up for their rights

FAQ



We are a small not-for-profit group dedicated to primarily act as watchdogs, keeping the Central Otago community informed about local developments and issues affecting them. 

Our mission is to empower our communities and provide support by keeping you informed about local developments and issues affecting us. 

To access our advocacy support, simply  contact us or call us directly.

We aim to offer informational support for individuals facing challenges with the Central Otago District Council. If you need assistance, someone to talk to when you're encountering bureaucratic hurdles or simply want to understand your rights, we're here to help!  

Our small team is committed to understanding your unique situation and providing guidance on the best course of action. Don’t hesitate to reach out, we’re here to assist you in navigating your challenges!

 

We actively monitor the activities and decisions made by the Central Otago District Council. We do this by attending necessary council meetings, reviewing public documents, and engaging with community members to gather feedback on council operations. We believe that transparency and accountability are critical in governance, and we are dedicated to keeping the community informed about any developments, challenges, or opportunities that arise. Please visit our Council Watch page to learn more about our monitoring efforts. 

To stay updated on the latest news and events from Advocates for Change - come back to our website regularly. 

We are in the process of setting up a Facebook page as well. 

We will keep you informed about proposals, policy, and spending as they come to hand.

Remember you have a part to play in this Advocacy for Change  - Your participation and awareness are vital to fostering a strong community for Change!

Get in Touch

We're here to help! Whether you have a question, need assistance with advocacy, or just want to share your thoughts, feel free to contact us. We value your input and are committed to serving the needs of the Central Otago community. Don't hesitate to connect with us through the form below or via our contact details provided.

Contact Us