Marathon hui: Horowhenua District Council hears record number of submissions

View from atop the Clock Tower on Oxford Street in Levin, looking south.

Democracy is well and truly alive in Horowhenua with no shortage of advice from residents to Horowhenua District Council.

A record number of submissions - more than 550 - have flooded HDC as it makes key decisions for the future, including how to fund infrastructure needed to cope with massive growth forecasts.

HDC set aside three days to hear submissions from a wide cross-section of the community, from town planners, tangata whenua, farmers, ratepayer groups, super-annuitants and sports groups.

Each was given 10 minutes to speak to their submissions.

Horowhenua mayor Bernie Wanden said the number of submissions was more than double they had ever received during the long-term planning process.

"The high level of engagement is indicative of a community that wants to tell us what to do for the next 20 years," he said.

"It shouldn't be underestimated. While it is a daunting process it can be very informative and can help us in the decision-making process."

Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden.

HDC had invited feedback on a number of key issues, including how infrastructure should be funded, with the possible reintroduction of development contributions, to what level the Foxton pool should be upgraded, and how different farmland should be rated.

Submitters were asked to be respectful, to keep to topic, and to keep personal agendas to one side. They continue today and are being live-streamed on the HDC website.