Speak up for your place

Are we losing our rural character? What's more important, the environment or growth? Are there enough housing choices? Aē / kāo, yes / no?

Your answers to our quick-fire questions will help set Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s priorities as we embark on a new journey to plan for change and growth.

Over the next six weeks Council will be asking everyone in the Western Bay to take part in Your Place / Tō Wāhi kōrero at - yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz - by sharing their thoughts on the following topics:

Council’s Group Manager Strategy and Community, Rachael Davie, says it is important Council learns what it is that we need to grow and protect so that your place, wherever it is in the Western Bay, continues being what you want it to be.

“For a long time now we’ve been talking about the Western Bay’s growth, and how more people are calling our District home. This trend is set to continue, so we need to start a new phase of planning for this growth, and it begins with understanding what our people value.”

Your responses will also help us to prepare for new and upcoming changes led by Central Government. Whether it is where houses are built, what housing we need, what sites need protecting or where we need new transport options – it’s all about preparing our communities so we can make change work for us.

“The Western Bay is home to so many different communities, all with different ideas and experiences that can help shape this kaupapa. We want to hear from everyone so we can create a future for all to enjoy,” says Rachael.

With that in mind we’re making it as simple as possible for everyone to get involved. You won’t need to ‘sign up’ for our quick-fire questions, and you can tell us Aē / kāo, yes / no on all of our nine topics, or pick and choose what you want to answer.

This is just the start of the journey. This phase is aimed at getting high level feedback to help identify the main issues. We will be coming back to the community at a later time to get down into the details further.

As a bonus, everyone who takes part will go in the draw to win one of 12 $100 grocery vouchers.

If you prefer kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) - we’re coming to you. We’re teaming up with local community organisations in neighbourhood parks and playgrounds, outside supermarkets, beside football pitches and tagging along at community events.

“We’re getting right into our community spaces to make it effortless for you to take part. And if you opt to kōrero with us in person we’ll shout you a hot sausage straight off the barbeque to say thanks (location dependent),” says Rachael.

“There’s no denying the changes and challenges ahead of us, so please help us fill our kete (basket) with shared knowledge that will assist to plan for a future for all of the Western Bay whānau.”

Feedback is open until Friday 15 July.

How to take part:

Wānanga ipurangi (online) - take part in our online survey at yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz

Pepa mārō (hard copy) - fill out a feedback form at any of our libraries and service centres.

Kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) meet us at one of the locations below.

About Your Place / Tō Wāhi

Council’s District Plan sets out rules and areas in our District where we’d expect to see certain activities, events and development to occur. Like how close to the boundary you can build or extend your house, garage or other buildings. Or whether you can operate a business from your home.

Over the next couple of years Council is reviewing the nine topics covered by the District Plan. The feedback you share with us now and throughout the process will help to guide any future changes. All you need to know about this project, how to get involved and how to stay connected can be found at yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz