Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Local democracy
Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.
Local democracy
Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.
Collaborate with other councils and government agencies in core business activities to reduce costs and enable low or zero rate increases.
Foster a wider community discussion and action on issues, forming action groups to improve social, economic and environmental well-being.
Provide expertise and support to volunteer groups in establishing and implementing environmental initiatives.
Foster a culture of transparency and integrity where council decisions reflect genuine care for the Bay and pride in serving its people.
Publish all council contracts online including names, amounts and scope to stop hidden deals as ratepayers deserve receipts.
Reintroduce the town hall model with face-to-face forums where residents speak and councillors listen to ensure real engagement, not just consultation.
Make ongoing public engagement easier and more meaningful for those who want to participate.
Action a comprehensive review of the form and function of local government with the primary principle of local democracy.
Continue to develop a genuine and enduring partnership, participation and protection relationship with Māori.
Utilise community participatory budgeting processes more to help create community engagement in activities.
Maximise the live streaming of council meetings and workshops.
Establish citizens' assemblies for complex issues to enable meaningful community participation in decision-making.
Partner with tangata whenua to guide council decisions on land use, environmental management and animal welfare.
Review elected representative numbers and their pay - serve, not profit.
Enable public engagement by using a digital 3D model of the public transport network and encourage residents to add digital ideas and innovation.
Ensure vital Māori representation and engagement driven by their inherent connection to the environment as tangata whenua and kaitiaki.
Support reforms to the size and role of council by promoting lean thinking, smaller teams and cross-organisational collaboration.
Champion robust discussion on the future of local government that achieves positive economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes.
Recognise the highly qualified and competent CEO and staff and maintain a positive relationship between councillors, staff and communities.
Support Māori wards and council's partnership with tangata whenua and advocate for council's commitment to Te Tiriti.
Support regional council in recognising matters of significance to Māori.
Support regional council in using consultation in the identification and resolution of resource management issues.
Expand on shared services and expertise model across councils rather than amalgamating council to a unitary authority.
Strive for more community engagement and reach the harder to reach communities and community members.
Support BOPRC to build on its Te Ara Poutama work of partnering with tangata whenua and showcase the value of Māori ward councillors.
Use deliberative processes that grow deeper understanding of issues.
Work collaboratively with central government to ensure the region's interests are prioritised in any local government changes.
Engage with communities openly and transparently in decision-making.
Strengthen partnerships with iwi and hapū to deliver co-governance.
Use digital tools to make council more accessible and accountable.
Collaborate with other councils and government agencies in core business activities to reduce costs and enable low or zero rate increases.
Foster a wider community discussion and action on issues, forming action groups to improve social, economic and environmental well-being.
Provide expertise and support to volunteer groups in establishing and implementing environmental initiatives.
Foster a culture of transparency and integrity where council decisions reflect genuine care for the Bay and pride in serving its people.
Publish all council contracts online including names, amounts and scope to stop hidden deals as ratepayers deserve receipts.
Reintroduce the town hall model with face-to-face forums where residents speak and councillors listen to ensure real engagement, not just consultation.
Make ongoing public engagement easier and more meaningful for those who want to participate.
Action a comprehensive review of the form and function of local government with the primary principle of local democracy.
Continue to develop a genuine and enduring partnership, participation and protection relationship with Māori.
Utilise community participatory budgeting processes more to help create community engagement in activities.
Maximise the live streaming of council meetings and workshops.
Establish citizens' assemblies for complex issues to enable meaningful community participation in decision-making.
Partner with tangata whenua to guide council decisions on land use, environmental management and animal welfare.
Review elected representative numbers and their pay - serve, not profit.
Enable public engagement by using a digital 3D model of the public transport network and encourage residents to add digital ideas and innovation.
Ensure vital Māori representation and engagement driven by their inherent connection to the environment as tangata whenua and kaitiaki.
Support reforms to the size and role of council by promoting lean thinking, smaller teams and cross-organisational collaboration.
Champion robust discussion on the future of local government that achieves positive economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes.
Recognise the highly qualified and competent CEO and staff and maintain a positive relationship between councillors, staff and communities.
Support Māori wards and council's partnership with tangata whenua and advocate for council's commitment to Te Tiriti.
Support regional council in recognising matters of significance to Māori.
Support regional council in using consultation in the identification and resolution of resource management issues.
Expand on shared services and expertise model across councils rather than amalgamating council to a unitary authority.
Strive for more community engagement and reach the harder to reach communities and community members.
Support BOPRC to build on its Te Ara Poutama work of partnering with tangata whenua and showcase the value of Māori ward councillors.
Use deliberative processes that grow deeper understanding of issues.
Work collaboratively with central government to ensure the region's interests are prioritised in any local government changes.
Engage with communities openly and transparently in decision-making.
Strengthen partnerships with iwi and hapū to deliver co-governance.
Use digital tools to make council more accessible and accountable.
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