Community conversations ‘appreciated from all sides’

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne District Council has one week to go in its month-long consultation with the community around the region’s plans and budget for the next three years 2024-2027.

For the past few weeks, councillors and council staff have travelled to townships and communities from Te Araroa to Tiniroto.

Mayor Rehette Stoltz said the conversations have been appreciated from all sides.

“Having our subject matter experts at these meetings means we’re able to have direct conversations with the community about the issues that are most important to them.

“The biggest concerns from these conversations have been about the state of our roads and our environment,” she said.

“ . . . and this is what the consultation document is asking our community. Have we got it right for all that we have to do?

“Proposed rate rises of 11.4 percent come into effect on July 1.

“To keep this as low as possible means there are some things that council cannot afford to do,” the Mayor said.

“The biggest question is whether the community wants to pay a bit more rates to get more done.”

Another stand-out theme from the conversations was that communities would like the chance to engage with the council more.

“We have come away from these meetings wanting to come up with a solution for better engagement with our community going forward.

“What you think does matter.

“If you’d like to attend one of the community conversations in person have a look at the calendar of events still to come.”

Mayor Stoltz said those unable to attend the meetings can still have their say by reading the consultation document and making a submission by April 19.

“Have your say either online or pick up a form and consultation document at the council offices in Fitzherbert Street, Gisborne, the GDC Te Puia Springs office or the  HB Williams Library.”