Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull and ORC chairman Stephen Woodhead both confirmed when contacted discussions had begun, aimed at identifying a way forward for development in the area south of the Steamer Basin.
The discussions had so far focused on the merits of a joint approach, but more formal talks were expected to follow before Christmas, they said.
That would include considering what vehicle might be needed to push development along, the men confirmed.
That could include the creation of a new joint working group, although opinions differed on the need for an entirely independent entity modelled on Wellington's approach, they said.
Mr Cull told the Otago Daily Times the harbourside was ''a very important area for the city and the city council''.
However, much of the harbourside's land remained the responsibility of Chalmers Properties, a subsidiary of ORC-owned company Port Otago.
''It makes sense, if anything is going to be developed or planned or worked on, it should be done together. There will be synergies and opportunities that won't be available to any one party,'' Mr Cull said.
''I've talked to ORC about developing a joint approach, and we will, but we haven't pinned it down yet.''
Mr Woodhead said the pair had ''some thoughts around how we might progress'' the issue, but talks were at a ''very early, informal'' stage.
''He and I are going to follow it up.''
The harbourside zone south of the Steamer Basin was already rezoned for mixed-use development, including cafes, bars, apartments and a hotel.
There was no doubt the area presented ''opportunities'' for development, but exactly what form that should take remained a moot point, he believed.
While a new joint approach could be needed, it was also possible Chalmers Properties would continue ''to do their business as they are now'', he said.
He was not in favour of a new independent entity like that created in Wellington and Auckland, arguing Dunedin's growth did not warrant it.
''Dunedin's opportunities are not of the same scale ... but that doesn't mean to say there couldn't be some benefits in working together and identifying any opportunities.
''We would need to sit down and work out why you would need a working party, what benefits that would bring ... and what would you want to achieve?''
''We're not going to get growth and development like you see in areas like Auckland and Queenstown. But at Dunedin's scale, over time, there are opportunities.''
