Southland District Council

Use social anthropology research methods and technology to gauge public opinions and views – to best inform developments and actually represent.

Present information and ideas back to the public, to ensure that meaningful two-way engagement is taking place.

Involve locals in consultation, development, and recommendations for development. Especially retired specialists with loyalty to the south.

Ensure council staff adopt a community-led approach and consider the "outside in" view when delivering council work and community projects.

Develop working partnerships with Māori, youth and other minority communities so their voice is heard when making decisions in council.

Bring a strategic view to the table so individual wards and community boards can cooperate for the overall betterment of all of Southland.

Empower community boards by looking at their delegations, roles and responsibilities so they can be more effective in getting things done.

Ensure that the culture of council is community-centric, solutions focused and not a handbrake on action and results.

Improve the communication channels between council and its communities to establish trust with an open and honest relationship.

Councillors should be paid a pittance to disincentivize career politicians, have day jobs and approach council duties in an economical manner.

Rebuild relationships with central and local government with the admission the incompetence of local government aligns with Three Waters reform.

Engage a greater number of senior Māori on boards where co-governance on land and environmental issues applies, prioritise over flippant ideologies.

Support ways to engage younger people with community initiatives and representation.

Ensure community boards and local consultation are truly affective, allowing decision making at a local level.

Encourage stronger communication and engagement between cultural and sector groups and council representation.