Western Bay of Plenty residents are being invited to have their say to help set Western Bay of Plenty District Council's priorities as it embarks on a new journey to plan for change and growth.

During the next six weeks, the council will be asking everyone in the Western BOP to take part in Your Place / Tō Wāhi kōrero at: www.yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz – by sharing their thoughts on topics such as natural environments, shared spaces, rural places, changing climate and more.

Alternatively, communities can meet council at locations across the district during June and July to have their say.

On Thursday, June 16, a council team will be outside Te Puna Four Square from 3pm-5pm ready to talk turkey on topics.

Next Saturday, June 18, council will be at Ōmokoroa Football Club from 9.30am-1pm to chat over a free sausage sizzle cooked by the Ōmokoroa Football Club.

Then on Thursday, June 23, from 11am-1pm they council team will be outside The Warehouse at Tauranga Crossing. Four more events are planned for July as well.

WBOPDC group manager strategy and community Rachael Davie says it is important council learns what it is that residents need to grow and protect so that your place – wherever it is in the Western BOP – continues being what you want it to be.

'For a long time now we've been talking about the Western Bay's growth, and how more people are calling our district home. This trend is set to continue, so we need to start a new phase of planning for this growth, and it begins with understanding what our people value.”

The community's responses will also help council to prepare for new and upcoming changes led by Central Government.

'Whether it is where houses are built, what housing we need, what sites need protecting or where we need new transport options – it's all about preparing our communities so we can make change work for us,” says Rachael.

'The Western Bay is home to so many different communities, all with different ideas and experiences that can help shape this kaupapa. We want to hear from everyone so we can create a future for all to enjoy,” says Rachael.

'With that in mind we're making it as simple as possible for everyone to get involved. You won't need to ‘sign up' for our quick-fire questions, and you can tell us Aē / kāo, yes / no on all of our nine topics, or pick and choose what you want to answer.”

As a bonus, everyone who takes part will go in the draw to win one of 12 $100 grocery vouchers.

'There's no denying the changes and challenges ahead of us, so please help us fill our kete (basket) with shared knowledge that will assist to plan for a future for all of the Western Bay whānau.”

Feedback is open until Friday, July 15.