Council to host community barbecue evenings
What direction do you think Waipā should be heading in the future? This is the question Council will be asking Waipā residents at a series of community barbecue events next month.
Waipā District Council will be holding five community barbecues throughout March at locations across the district so residents can have their say on Council’s vision and community outcomes for its 2021-2031 Long Term Plan (LTP).
The LTP outlines the services, key projects and initiatives Council will deliver and fund over the next decade. The plan is revised every three years to ensure it remains current and can address any issues facing the district.
Mayor Jim Mylchreest said the events were the perfect opportunity for residents to meet with councillors and Council staff to discuss their ideas for the future of Waipā while enjoying a free sausage and ice cream.
“A vision is a way of describing what we ultimately aim to achieve. It’s important because it’s the anchor point for everything we do for the community.
“We’d like to hear from as many residents as possible at these events so we can make sure Council’s vision truly reflects who we are as a district and that we’re heading in the right direction.”
Mylchreest said Council’s current vision was “Waipā Home of Champions – building the future together”.
“This vision celebrates our champion communities, environment, culture, heritage, successes and aspirations. It puts our focus on creating thriving communities and making Waipā a great place to live, work and play.
“We’d like to know if this vision still reflects Waipā and the amazing communities that call this district home.”
The first barbecue is at Selwyn Park in Te Awamutu at 5pm, Wednesday 4 March, followed by Lake Te Koo Utu in Cambridge at 11am, Saturday 7 March and Rata-Tu Hill Reserve in Kihikihi at 5pm, Wednesday 11 March.
“We’ll also be heading to Pirongia and Ōhaupō to speak to residents about their ideas for Waipā. We’re expecting these events to be a lot of fun and to give us a good indication on the direction we should be heading in.”
The events are the first step in a three part consultation process to be carried out by Council. The second step will focus on what will be included in the upcoming LTP.
For more information on the barbecue times and locations, visit Waipā District Council on Facebook