The Government will not make any decision about the future of Crown-appointed commissioners at the Canterbury Regional Council until after the general election on 20 September.
Commissioners were appointed in 2010 following a critical external review of the council's performance. Last year their term was extended until 2016.
In a joint statement on Thursday, Local Government Minister Paula Bennett and Environment Minister Amy Adams said liaison would continue with key stakeholders ahead of the release of a discussion document in October/November.
The ministers said it is appropriate to let the final scope of the document be determined post-election by the incoming government.