Students of Ōpōtiki Primary School were hands-on with local democracy this week, preparing feedback and presenting to the Ōpōtiki District Council on Monday, July 4.

Students from the school heard about Council's plans for the wharf and harbour areas and decided to conduct a survey of the student body.

Six senior students shared the results of this survey with councillors in a thoughtful and well-practiced presentation.

Ōpōtiki District Council's Planning and Regulatory Manager, Gerard McCormack, has been overseeing planning for the wharf and harbour areas to make the most of community spaces when the new entrance is complete.

'We've really appreciate the thoughtful feedback from students and how clear they were about the sorts of things that young people are looking for in community and recreation spaces,” says McCormack.

'In the wider sense, it was great to see young people involved and engaged in council work. It gives them an insight into council and how they can help make long-term decisions that will continue to benefit the community for 20 years or more.”

Mr McCormack says that there had been a few youth and student focused events on design and planning for the wharf and playground.

'We've really appreciated the team at Healthy Families and look forward to continuing to work with them on these sorts of consultation events, including some planning underway for the new playground next to the skatepark.

'Thanks also to Ōpōtiki Primary who have been open and enthusiastic about involving the rangatahi in this real-life civics education.”