This month, I’ve had the opportunity to travel across our region, meeting many of you in person. These interactions are crucial as they not only allow me to see the impact of our work firsthand but also provide a platform to hear directly from you—our residents.

During my visits, I had many productive conversations. It was useful to hear about what we are doing well and, importantly, what we can improve. A common theme in these discussions was the desire for better communication about Council activities and more involvement in decisions that affect your local environment. It's clear that our community wants to be more informed and engaged in the processes that shape the district.

As we aim for better transparency and inclusivity, I want to remind everyone that the submissions for our Long-Term Plan (LTP) are open until midday on May 2. This plan sets out our priorities and initiatives for the future, and your input is essential to ensure it truly reflects our community's needs and aspirations. Please make sure your voice is heard by participating in this important process.

Additionally, starting mid-May, we will commence consultation on "Local Waters Done Well." This consultation, necessitated by the Local Water Done Well Act, invites you to voice your opinions on shaping the future delivery models of our water supply, wastewater, and stormwater services, and how these essential services should be managed to meet local needs and legislative requirements. This consultation is crucial as it helps align local needs with new regulatory frameworks, ensuring that water management strategies are both effective and reflective of community values and priorities.

Your feedback is a critical part of how we grow and improve our services.

Barbara Phillips, Westland District Council Chief Executive

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