Hastings District Council

Expand meeting times beyond business hours to give more people the chance to have their say.

Increase the number of council sessions held in different venues across the community.

Offer more open workshops and events so working people can take part in council decisions.

Engage residents, Māori and ethnic communities through forums, surveys and clear updates.

Ensure transparency by publishing plain-language budgets, debt and project reports.

Review council structure to cut waste and focus on essentials.

Encourage and support iwi involvement and support Māori wards.

Review voting system for council elections and update the mailing system, which is antiquated and does not suit a modern voter.

Set up a workspace in a public area to be present and accountable to the general public.

Ask council employees to identify waste of funding or processes that need changing for efficient cost reducing.

Reduce number of councils within Hawke's Bay to three or two for better efficiency and delivery of core services.

Start bi-monthly public workshops or meetings to listen to community concerns for better engagement with all in the district.

Work directly with local iwi on issues like water management and economic development to ensure practical outcomes for the whole district.

Work with all communities to ensure council spending and services are effective and meet the needs of Hastings' diverse population.

Review council communications to ensure critical information on rates, waste collection and emergencies is clear and accessible for every ratepayer.