Southland's leaders have requested urgent meetings with Government representatives in Wellington as they ramp up efforts to get a longer transition period before the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter closes in August next year.

Southland mayoral forum chairman Tracy Hicks, of the Gore District Council, said in a media release today that Southland’s leaders remained united in their efforts to prioritise an extended transition period for the smelter. 

"To further amplify the importance of this extension and in gaining support for the opportunities that will retain high-value jobs in the region, urgent meetings with Government representatives in Wellington have been requested,'' Mr Hicks said. 

The mayoral forum comprises the mayors of Gore, Invercargill (Sir TIm Shadbolt) and Southland (Gary Tong).

On behalf of the forum, Mr Hicks is working alongside the Southland Chamber of Commerce and Great South, Southland’s Regional Development Agency, to advocate for an extended close-down period.

The initial response from the group was to explore avenues to keep the smelter open but the approach is now to advocate for the smelter staying open for at least another five years so that a manageable transition can be achieved, Mr Hicks said. 

The Southland leaders hosted Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Minister Grant Robertson, Minister Megan Woods, and Minister Shane Jones in Invercargill on July 16 and made representations on behalf of the region. 

The following week, Coalition Government partner and Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, visited the region to host a public meeting and discuss the proposed closure of the smelter. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern,centre, speaks at a media conference in Invercargill. PHOTO: Lucy Henry

After both senior government representative visits, the mayoral forum provided the Government representatives with further detailed information to support the region’s case for an extended close-down period. 

"This included outlining the significant work already underway to support future regional diversity opportunities in the areas of aquaculture, R&D [research and development] for food production, and the development of data centres and southern space operations, and highlighting the strong commitment to accelerate these opportunities alongside an extended transition at Tiwai Point. 

To further amplify the importance of this extension and in gaining support for the opportunities that will retain high-value jobs in the region, urgent meetings with Government representatives in Wellington have been requested."

Mr Hicks said the Southland leaders were being supported with their requests for an extended close-down period by experts who had the knowledge and skills needed to encourage a successful transition.

Those experts would be available to provide further information and analysis to the Government, should it be requested.

"Together, it is hoped that this unified and determined response will result in a manageable transition period and help contribute to a stronger and more vibrant future for the Southland region,'' he said.