Mr Kircher, who has served as mayor since 2013, said he does not want the distraction of an early announcement.
Having been re-elected for a fourth term in 2022 with a significant majority over challenger Paul Mutch, Mr Kircher has traditionally revealed his election plans a year in advance. However, in October 2024, the mayor announced he would be postponing his decision until April 2025, citing the pressing challenges facing the local government.
Mr Kircher explained that the current government's ongoing reform programme, which includes meeting a September deadline for submitting a water services plan to the government, required his full focus as it left him with significant responsibilities and tasks.
He told the Otago Daily Times this week that he still has not settled on the date this month for an announcement on his future.
Mr Kircher said the big workload to clear on the council table at present was at the forefront of his mind.
He wanted to see that through without "the distraction" of launching a campaign, he said.
Factors in his thinking included the 2025-34 Long Term Plan — now part way through council table deliberation and behind the scenes formulation — and the Local Water Done Well public consultation for the water services plan, Mr Kircher said.
The council is also about to start public consultation on the Waitaki District Plan review which has already generated angst among rural Waitaki voters.
At this point the sole challenger for the top job is Melanie Tavendale.
She is a former deputy mayor who stepped down in 2022 and formally announced her pitch for the Waitaki mayoralty last month.
Mr Kircher previously rejected the idea there is an arrangement whereby he steps aside to give Ms Tavendale a clear run.
