The first phase of community engagement for the West Coast Local Government Reform Head Start Project has been completed, with the Community Feedback Report now publicly available. The report summarises the views, priorities and concerns shared by communities across Buller, Grey and Westland during the month-long engagement process.
Project Lead Ashley Stuart said the report provides an important snapshot of what matters to West Coast communities as discussions about the future of local government continue.
"The report confirms that while people have different views about how local government should be organised, there is strong agreement about the outcomes communities want to achieve. People consistently told us they value strong local representation, affordable local government, resilient infrastructure and services that meet the needs of their communities."
The report draws together feedback from 196 submissions and community conversations held at seven drop-in sessions across the region. It identifies common themes while also recognising the different perspectives expressed across Buller, Grey and Westland.
A consistent message throughout the engagement was that local voice and community identity must be protected, and that any reform must deliver clear, long-term benefits for the West Coast. The feedback also shows that communities are willing to continue the conversation about reform, with many people considering it overdue, but they want robust evidence that any proposed change would deliver better outcomes than the current arrangements.
Ashley Stuart said the release of the report marks the transition from community engagement to developing the region’s Outline Proposal for council consideration. The proposal will not determine the final structure of local government on the West Coast. Instead, it will set out a direction for further investigation and identify the financial, operational, governance and representation work needed before a final model could be considered.
“This report gives councils a clear understanding of the priorities West Coast communities want reflected in the next phase of work. It shows there is an appetite to keep exploring reform, but also a clear expectation that any future model must be supported by evidence and deliver better outcomes than the status quo.”
The Community Feedback Report is available on the Head Start engagement website, and the project team thanked everyone who contributed through submissions, online feedback and community drop-in sessions.
"We appreciate everyone who took the time to share their views. The feedback provides an invaluable foundation for the next stage of the project and helps ensure the West Coast's Outline Proposal is informed by the priorities of our communities."
The Outline Proposal will be considered by Councils on the 3rd and 4th of August, prior to the Government’s deadline of August 9.
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Ashley Stuart, Project Lead ashley.stuart@westcoast.govt.nz
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.