MEDIA RELEASE

New way to share thoughts with the Council

NOVEMBER 4, 2016

There is a new way for people to share their thoughts, ideas and feedback with councillors, starting next week.

From Thursday 10 November a 30-minute public forum before formal Kāpiti Coast District Council, Strategy and Policy Committee and Operations and Finance Committee meetings will allow people to address the Mayor and councillors about anything they like.

Mayor K Gurunathan says this means people wanting to talk to the Council on items not on the meeting agenda would no longer need to wait until the end of the meeting. Councillors had received feedback that this made it difficult for people with work or other commitments to take up opportunities to share their views with Councillors face to face.

“We recognise and value our communities’ contribution to our work and in establishing these sessions we’re helping deliver on our aim of ensuring people have opportunities to participate in the work of the Council in ways that work for them.”

The public speaking forum will not be subject to Standing Orders, minuted or live streamed and bookings are essential.

“Giving people a specific time to speak helps them manage their time and commitments by them knowing when they are speaking,” the Mayor says.

There will still be public speaking time at the beginning of each meeting where the public can speak on matters on the agenda.

Mayor Gurunathan says the public working alongside Councillors and staff to shape the work of Council is a critical element of the democratic process

“On top of those more formal settings, we’re working on creating other more informal opportunities for members of our communities to tell us what really matters here in Kāpiti.,” he says.

To find out more information please visit www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/public-participation.

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