Future local democratic system to be discussed

The future of local Government discussions continue tomorrow in a Buller District Council workshop focused on understanding who does what and options for different models. 

The government recently announced the ‘Head Start’ pathway for simplifying local government, and West Coast councils have chosen to work together on a submission. 

Buller District Council Chief Executive Simon Pickford says Buller councillors will work through scenarios including joining with Grey and Westland District Councils to form a single unitary council; or other alternatives. 

“Our agenda includes discussions on what’s working and what’s not, which organisation carries out which functions, and looking at options for moving forward. 

“These discussions are vitally important to the future of our local democracy.  People can turn up to listen in person at Council’s Clocktower Chambers in Westport for the 1pm workshop (limited public seating available), or open our livestream on the BDC’s YouTube site,” Mr Pickford says.  

Earlier this year the BDC provided a submission to the Government on the reform programme in which the Council unanimously agreed to look into reform opportunities for the district and region. 

This workshop also initiates engagement with the Buller community being undertaken for West Coast councils and iwi by an independent working group. Community drop-in sessions are scheduled for three locations in the Buller district: 

The three Buller community drop-in sessions planned are: 

Karamea RSA 
Bridge St, Karamea 
Monday 22 June 
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm 

Westport Bridge Club 
12A Lyndhurst St, Westport 
Tuesday 23 June 
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm 

Reefton Cinema 
Shiel St, Reefton 
Thursday 25 June 
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm 

The community sessions will provide an opportunity for residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders to share what matters most to them and help inform the West Coast's response to Government. 

If Councils agree to submit a West Coast outline proposal to Government by 9 August, that proposal will make it clear any further work on options for the West Coast must include dedicated community engagement, detailed analysis and formal consultation before final decisions are made. 

“It is important to note that this is an early stage in the reform process, but this part of the process has tight timeframes,” Mr Pickford says.

“There will be many further opportunities over the next few years for deeper community engagement on potential options.” 

For more information, or to make a submission, visit https://haveyoursay.westcoastcouncils.co.nz/. 

-ENDS- 

For further information please contact:  

Community Engagement Team   
Buller District Council  

Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz   

Disclaimer 

The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.