Buller District Council launches Community Outreach days

Buller District Council is establishing regular Community Outreach days to give residents from outlying areas of Buller the chance to connect with council staff and elected members in an informal setting.

Beginning mid-September 2024, the outreach days will be based at venues in Northern Buller and Karamea one month and then Charleston and Punakaiki the following month. This ensures each area has contact with BDC representatives at least bi-monthly.

The ‘drop-in’-style sessions will provide an opportunity for members of the public to meet with council staff from different departments across the organisation to discuss concerns, issues and to seek advice directly on ‘how to’ using council processes.

Councillors from the various wards across Buller will also be invited to each event, providing insight into the district’s governance, and considering the perspectives of individual communities.

Group Manager Community Services Krissy Trigg says: “By heading out into the communities and providing the option to meet face-to-face, locals from rural areas without a regular physical council presence will be able to connect with staff and councillors.

We hope that community members take advantage of this opportunity, where they can find out about council work programmes and current campaigns, and access advice and guidance to help them seek resolution to any concerns they might have.

Our rural residents have voiced a need for a greater council presence in Buller’s outlying areas, and we are pleased to be able to roll this initiative out to our smaller communities.”

Each outreach session will aim to provide information relevant to current or upcoming activities and engagements on the council calendar but will not replace any specific or required consultation processes.

This outreach initiative aims to encourage the development of positive relationships between council and communities.

Dates and times will be advertised on the Buller District Council Facebook page and website. Visit bullerdc.govt.nz/your-council/community-outreach-days/ for further information.

Council will consider offering alternative session times if relevant feedback is received after the initial four events.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz