Shipping container to help Whangārei District Council seek feedback on annual plan

Frankensignz Ryan Cotterill and Jon Christensen, back, and Whangārei District Council's Merry Statham and Dominic Kula, front, with the converted shipping container. Photo/John Stone

An "info-pod" shipping container is being deployed at three major events over consecutive weekends in an effort to gather as much feedback as possible on Whangārei's 2019/20 Annual Plan.

The converted shipping container has it's first outing at Beach 2 Basin from 9am tomorrow. On March 9 it will be at Growers Market from 7am and on March 16 it will be at Whanau at the Falls from 12pm.

It will be filled with information about all the things due to happen in the district in the coming financial year.

Whangārei District Council chief executive Rob Forlong said that includes details on water, transport, the community, finances and highlights of the coming year alongside a video about the district and where it's heading.

"We are trying to do things a bit differently these days to really involve the community more - it is their place and we want to reflect what the community is about."

The plan is based on year two of the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan but has been adjusted to fit with more up to date information and priorities.

The plan outlines an $83.9 million capital works programme. Some of the major projects include the new water treatment plant at Whau Valley, a skate park at Ngunguru, seal extensions, a roundabout at Springs Flat, stormwater upgrades and more.

The council is looking to add upgrading the Ruakākā Treatment Plant clarifier and the Kamo pump station to improve water services and new or upgraded visitor bus facilities and better signage around town in anticipation of the arrival of the first cruise ship, to the plan.

In other places savings have been identified, and some projects have progressed faster or slower than expected.

The pod is the first part of consultation on the district's annual plan for 2019/20 and will be supported with meetings across the district over the next month.

Councillors and staff will be out in the community during the month-long consultation.

"Come along and talk to us, and find out what is coming up this year - we will be at meetings and events, and there will be lots of information on our website," Forlong said.

Consultation runs from March 4 to April 4.

People can still make formal submissions using the feedback form.

Hearings are planned for April and the final plan will be adopted at the end of June.

For more information on consultation go to www.wdc.govt.nz/Annualplan