Community kōrero kicks off with Kaimai
All are welcome to attend the first Kaimai ward Community Forum of 2023.
Community Forums are a new meeting format, put in place by Western Bay of Plenty District Council to respond to the needs of the wider community as they arise.
Each of our three wards have a Community Forum with two Councillors assigned to call for the hui when needed and lead the kōrero.
Kaimai ward Councillors Tracey Coxhead and Don Thwaites, called the first hui on their community’s behalf. They’re inviting anyone with an interest or issue in what’s happening in the Kaimai ward to join them for a cup of tea and kōrero.
7-9pm Wednesday 15 February
Council cafeteria at Barkes Corner
The Forum is a less formal setting to kōrero with Councillors and the Council team. You can expect plenty of opportunity for two-way kōrero and detailed discussion.
Councillor Don Thwaites is looking forward to some detailed discussion on topics affecting the wider Kaimai community.
“As elected members we hear from many people right across the District, but these community forums are your opportunity to discuss what’s happening across the Kaimai Ward. Please come along and let us know what’s been on your mind.”
If you want to add a topic for discussion – let us know. With a bit of notice we can have our team organised to come along with some more info to share. Email governanceservices@westernbay.govt.nz or contact Don or Tracey.
Come along on 15 February to share your thoughts and help create positive change in our Kaimai communities.
How the forum works
Community Forums are intended to build up relationships, discuss common issues and seize opportunities in your community.
Kōrero will focus on broader issues that cross, or lay outside community board boundaries. These meetings sit alongside the Community Boards and are an alternative to the earlier Ward Forums.
Forums can take place at any time. They’re initiated by the assigned Councillors as needed, rather than scheduled months ahead of time.
Kōrero from these meetings is fed back up to Council’s Community Committee who can the take matters further. Community boards have a similar function, but have their own delegation and budget, and they can refer matters to any committee in Council.
If you’re keen for a community forum in your ward let your representatives know. In Maketu-Te Puke contact Richard Crawford and Andy Wichers, and for the Katikati-Waihī Beach ward contact Anne Henry and Allan Sole. Their contact details are available at westernbay.govt.nz/your-councillors
We can help with small issues or reports much faster when you contact Council direct, phone 0800 926 732, email info@westernbay.govt.nz or Antenno westernbay.govt.nz/antenno
