Long-term council vision hits the road

THE EXPERTS: Peter Wimsett, manager of strategy and district development (left), Charlie Death of Eketahuna, and Ray Cannon, planning manager roading Tararua Alliance.

Tararua District Council has taken to bussing to towns throughout its district to get word of its long term plan out to the people.

Wednesday's road trip was an opportunity for councillors to engage with the community and share the proposals contained in the 10-year long term plan (LTP).

The bus trip started in Dannevirke and ran through Woodville, Pahiatua, Eketahuna and Pongaroa, and gave people the opportunity to express their views on the issues discussed in the plan's consultation document.

Councillor Warren Davidson said they were trying out the road trip as a new style of consultation because the number of people attending traditional council meetings was dwindling.

"It's been difficult to get engaged with the community, so if they don't come to us we decided we would go to them."

He said that in the past the document was a thick book but this year it has been simplified into a booklet, with additional details available online for those interested.

In the LPA, issues have been identified and multiple solutions have been given to each.

Mr Davidson said the council had preferred options and was seeking feedback from the community.

"The feedback we are getting is different to what we normally hear at consultation meetings, because people are more comfortable talking one-on-one."

Eketahuna Community Board chairman Charlie Death said the turnout had been positive.

Tararua Deputy Mayor Bill Keltie said: "We are spreading the word more than we used to and I think it's working really well.

"We have been going into shops and stopping people on the street, giving out pamphlets about where we are going in the next 10 years."

He said he received some really encouraging comments.

Some key issues people raised had been rebuilding the Pahiatua Recycling Centre, which burnt down last year, the Manawatu Gorge closure, dog registration fees and water quality.

-A public meeting at the Eketahuna Community Centre will be held at 7pm on April 28.