Want to have a say about the District’s future?

Want to have a say about the District's future?

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is calling on residents to help shape the District's future - from the comfort of home, work, or wherever they want.

Council has recently launched Connect: People's Panel - an email based group where Western Bay residents can share their opinions on Council plans, policies, and activities.

The People's Panel is another online tool Council is using - along with the Have Your Say Western Bay portal for projects already out for consultation - to engage with members of the community, particularly those whose voices aren't often heard.Panellists will be sent email communications and occasional surveys on issues and projects Council's working on. The feedback will be used as a sounding-board for the decision making that'll shape the District's future.At the moment we're crossing the District with our Long Term Plan (LTP) 2018 - 2028 community conversation events - but we're conscious that not everyone has the time to attend these in person, says Mayor Garry Webber.The People's Panel is a way of allowing anyone with access to a computer or smartphone to have their say on projects and topics that'll shape the District - how and when it suits them.Taking part in surveys is optional, but when panellists do get involved Council will share the results online and keep participants in the loop about what's going on.That's why when talking about the Long Term Plan we're using the tag line It's About You' - because it absolutely is, says Mayor Garry.The work Council does is for the good of the community and we want to make it convenient and easy to engage with us and feel included in our shared direction.To join the People's Panel and have your say select this link.

Connect: People's Panel surveys are:

• Short and easy - between 5 - 10 minutes
• Confidential - your details will be kept private
• Optional - only submit on the topics that interest you.