Chance to chat with councillors

A new initiative to improve contact between Rotorua west residents and their district councillors may expand into a city-wide scheme.

The Western Heights Consultative Committee is launching a new initiative - monthly councillor clinics.

The clinics will give residents the chance to meet and discuss issues with the people who represent them on the Rotorua District Council - West Ward councillors Rotorua deputy mayor Trevor Maxwell, Councillor Janet Wepa and Councillor Geoff Kenny.

Western Heights Consultative Committee was set up about 10 years ago by residents wanting to raise the profile of the area.

Committee president Steve McGuire said the aim of the clinics is to give residents the chance to talk to councillors one on one or in a group setting about any issues they have and to also hear what councillors are doing.

"It's not a bitch session. It's a positive move towards the council."

Mr McGuire said there were several issues which needed addressing including concerns about speeding in the Western Heights and Selwyn Heights areas, problems with parking on Brookland Rd and calls for improved safety signs near schools.

The council is spending $350,000 upgrading the Western Heights shopping centre but Mr McGuire said he would also like to see the footpaths water blasted once a month and better quality rubbish bins.

Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winterssaid the clinics were a good idea and if a success he would like to see something similar in the other wards.

"Any form of communication that improves the liaison between the Rotorua District Council and ratepayers is always good value."

He said the lakes residents had something similar with the Rotorua Lakes Community Board where people could speak with board members including Councillors Dave Donaldson and Karen Hunt who represent the East Ward and North Ward respectively.

South Ward Councillor Glenys Searancke said a similar scheme to the clinics operated about 12 years ago in the form of ward meetings.

The meetings, initiated by the council, were scrapped due to low turnouts at them.

"They didn't work that well. They didn't get the people turning up. That's not to say they won't this time.

"This is a bit different as they [the clinics] are organised by the Western Heights Consultative Committee. They [the committee] will be there and they may generate some interest."



Mrs Wepa hoped residents will make the most of the opportunity to meet with her and her two colleagues. Other areas of Rotorua had ratepayers' associations but apart from the Western Heights Consultative Committee Rotorua west had nothing, she said.

Mrs Wepa said any issues raised by residents would be taken to council staff to see if they could be resolved.

The bigger issues could be raised at council meetings.

CLINICS:

*May 1, June 5, July 3

*Start at 4pm and run for an hour

*Western Heights Policing Centre, Brookland Rd