Waimakariri District 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.
Consult with the public before any major spending decisions.
Review council departments to gain efficiencies without cutting essential services.
Review methodology around data and how it is released to the public.
Continue live-streaming of public meetings, publishing agendas online and undertaking Annual Plan consultation even when not legally required.
Continue using stakeholder forums to engage with specific audiences such as youth, community service providers and business owners.
Make submission and consultation processes easier to understand to increase confidence and empowerment for people to have their voices heard.
Advocate for community boards to have more budget and more discretion to make local decisions without recourse to council for final approval.
Do more to help ratepayers understand that community boards are not an 'arm' of council, but independent elected organisations.
Introduce more community-board direct consultation over key local issues, including field visits and community drop-ins.
Consult with the public before any major spending decisions.
Review council departments to gain efficiencies without cutting essential services.
Review methodology around data and how it is released to the public.
Continue live-streaming of public meetings, publishing agendas online and undertaking Annual Plan consultation even when not legally required.
Continue using stakeholder forums to engage with specific audiences such as youth, community service providers and business owners.
Make submission and consultation processes easier to understand to increase confidence and empowerment for people to have their voices heard.
Advocate for community boards to have more budget and more discretion to make local decisions without recourse to council for final approval.
Do more to help ratepayers understand that community boards are not an 'arm' of council, but independent elected organisations.
Introduce more community-board direct consultation over key local issues, including field visits and community drop-ins.
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