Community forums on offer for WBOP

People in the public gallery at a Western Bay of Plenty District Council meeting.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is inviting people to get involved in local conversations by attending a Community Forum in their neighbourhood.

Community Forums are an opportunity for people to kōrero/talk with Council in an informal setting. Anyone with an issue or interest in what’s happening in their local area is welcome to attend.

Each of the District’s three wards will host a Community Forum during May, with the first event, the Katikati – Waihī Beach Community Forum, being held at The Centre – Pātuki Manawa Digital Hub on Wednesday, May 15, from 7pm.

The Kaimai Community Forum will be held the following week, on Wednesday, 22 May, at Council’s Main Office in Greerton, followed by the Maketu – Te Puke Community Forum, on Tuesday, 28 May, at the Paengaroa Community Hall.

The Forums sit alongside Community Boards and kōrero from the meeting is fed back to Council’s Community Committee, who can take matters further.

They differ from Community Boards, who can refer matters to any committee in Council.

Councillors are assigned to lead the kōrero at each Forum - Anne Henry, Rodney Joyce and Allan Sole at Katikati – Waihī Beach, Don Thwaites and Tracey Coxhead at Kaimai, and Andy Wichers and Grant Dally at Maketu - Te Puke.

If people have a particular topic they would like to discuss, they can let Council know in advance by emailing governanceservices@westernbay.govt.nz.

“The Forums are an opportunity to discuss common issues, build relationships and work together for the good of the community,” says Council’s governance manager Greer Golding.

“These gathering are a great way for people to share their perspectives and ideas with Councillors, to help strengthen and shape our future communities.”

Community Forums

Katikati - Waihī Beach Community Forum, 15 May, 7pm, at The Centre - Pātuki Manawa Digital Hub, 21 Main Road, Katikati (Boyd Room)

Kaimai Community Forum, 22 May 2024, 7pm, Council Cafeteria, Council Main Office, 1484 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga

Maketu - Te Puke Community Forum, 28 May 2024, 7pm, Paengaroa Community Hall, 4 Old Coach Road, Paengaroa

1 comment

Hmmm

Posted on 07-05-2024 19:02 | By Let's get real

Isn't it about time that council user the information that they already hold and contact ratepayers by email.
They can set out their proposals and streamline the community meetings by giving ratepayers information to think about before the meeting.
Consultation Isn't about holding a meeting at a time that suits the council, it MUST include approaching ratepayers by every method available and allowing time for considering ones response before a community meeting.


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