Above: Councillor 'Ana Coffey talking with Porirua students about our strategic priorities.
Porirua residents and business owners can be confident that you are being kept informed of important decisions that the Council makes and how to have your voice heard.
The City Direction Committee approved the Significance and Enagagement Policy for public consultation on 28 September.
“We’ve reviewed the policy to make it clearer for everyone,” says City Direction Chairperson ‘Ana Coffey.
“Our community can be confident that matters of importance will be brought to you for your feedback. The policy guides how and when we should engage with you and it allows flexibility for the way we do this. Now we’d like to hear from you that we’ve got it right.”
Consultation on the Significance and Engagement Policy runs from 9 October - 8 November 2017.
Clr Coffey says the Council uses a number of different ways to engage with Porirua residents and businesses
“Meeting people kanohi ki te kanohi is crucial for many consultations we carry out. For example we’re just about to talk to you about two significant finance related policies - the Revenue and Financing Policy and the Rating Policy. For these we are arranging meetings because what’s proposed is quite technical and will need face to face discussions.
“The Revenue and Finance Policy sets how much of all our services are paid for by rates and how much by fees and charges - the Rating Policy will guide who pays for which services and what share of those costs people pay.
“As well as holding meetings we also use facebook - an easy channel for you to tell us your thoughts at a time that suits you - and we use local papers, letters, radio and our website where you can make online submissions.
“We know you are busy but it’s critical we hear your views so they can be reflected in the important decisions we make on your behalf,” she said.
“The Revenue and Financing Policy and the Rating Policy are important as we start thinking about next year’s Long-term Plan because they will impact on the amount of rates we all pay. We want to make sure it’s fair for everyone so please take time to tell us your thoughts.”
The Council will be consulting on all three policies in October.
“We look forward to hearing your thoughts. Let’s work together to get it right for our city.”
9 Oct 2017
