Report
To: Plains Ward Committee
From: Plains Ward Chairperson
Date: 14 February 2014 Document: 1173255 File reference: Appendix A: Ward Councillor Notes for Each Community
Meeting date: 11 March 2014 Plains Ward – Pre-consultation Phase One – Initial Subject: Report to Ward Committee – February 2014
Recommendation:
THAT the report be received, and
THAT the Ward Committee finalise proposed community meetings and that the Chairperson of the Ward discuss resourcing and meeting schedules with the Strategic Planning team.
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to present the Plains Ward Committee with a possible proposed approach for phase one of the pre-consultation within the Ward for the 2015-25 Hauraki Long Term Plan (HLTP).
Background
Following the direction from the Mayor, Ward Committees are being invited to shape the approach to the Ward specific pre-consultation for the 2015-25 Hauraki Long Term Plan.
It was decided early on in the planning process that pre-consultation by the Wards would be a good approach for the Hauraki Long Term Plan to ensure key discussions are held with local communities early on, allowing time for consideration of any issues raised and inclusion of these where appropriate in the draft document. Staff recommended that the pre-consultation be in two phases: Phase One: consultation with local communities (as local as Ward Chairs and Committees feel is appropriate for their communities) to discuss the local issues, desires and needs. This is seen as an open conversation between Council and local communities, with no set agenda for discussion. Timing – around April/May. Phase Two: more focussed consultation with local communities (again, as local as Wards feel is appropriate). As this is scheduled for approximately October, the capital works schedules should be available in draft form and this could form the basis of the conversation with the community. This is more so a prioritisation exercise – are we heading in the right direction for the HLTP.
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As mentioned above, the Ward pre-consultation can be tailored to suit each Ward. The Plains Ward Committee need to consider what would be best for its individual communities.
Issues and options
The Plains Ward has ten different communities. Those communities are Ngatea, Waitakaruru, Patetonga, Kopurahi, Turua, Kaihere, Kaiaua, Mangatarata, Kerepehi and Pipiroa.
As Plains Ward Chair I am suggesting that meetings held in all ten communities, and be hosted by a local, prominent community group within each community. The community groups can encourage members of the community to come along and chat to Ward Councillors in an informal way. This means Councillors are meeting people within their own environment, and in a way they feel familiar and comfortable with – stepping away from the typical us against them ‘public meeting’ situation.
There is the option however to join some adjoining smaller communities, however this is something that the Ward needs to discuss as part of its consideration of this report.
For each of the communities, the following groups are suggested as the hosts:
Community Community Group Contact person Ngatea Ngatea Lions Waitakaruru Waitakaruru Hall committee/North Rugby Club/Waitakaruru School Patetonga Patetonga Domain Committee Kopurahi Joan Harrison? Turua Turua Hall committee Kaihere Kaihere Hall committee Kaiaua Kaiaua Rate Payers Assoc. Mangatarata Mangatarata Reserve committee Kerepehi Kerepehi Marae/Kerepehi Domain Committee/Kerepehi school BOT Pipiroa Gail Thorburn?
The Ward Committee is also invited to identify any issues/topics/challenges they can think of for each of these communities. Please see Appendix A for this exercise.
There needs to be a discussion with staff on resourcing requirements for these meetings as the Strategic Planning Team is also looking to the consultation requirements for the Waihi and Paeroa Wards.
Conclusion
The Plains Ward Committee is invited to consider the proposed approach for the local community pre-consultation, and indentify the community groups to host the meetings in each settlement. The Ward Councillors are also asked to note down their key issues for each community using the sheets provided in Appendix A. These can be discussed and modified at the Ward meeting.
Gill Leonard Plains Ward Chairperson
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Appendix A – Councillors Notes for Each Community
Ngatea
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Waitakaruru
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Patetonga
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Kopurahi
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Turua
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Kaihere
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Kaiaua
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Mangatarata
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Kerepehi
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Pipiroa
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