Democratic Processes

Rationale for delivery of activity

To facilitate the democratic process by providing support to the Mayor, Councillors and Community Board members. This activity provides for the costs of the democratic or decision-making process. This includes meetings, public consultations, communication, elected member’s remuneration and civic functions. Provision is also made for elections. Council currently operates with a Mayor, seven Councillors and two Community Boards.

Council considers the following Community Outcomes to be relevant to this significant activity. These outcomes are not, in many cases, linked directly to this activity, but Council has endeavoured to establish links as best it can.

Community Outcomes

            Existing economic strengths in the community are promoted and make the town an attractive destination for the development of small to medium sized businesses. That the business community is vibrant and progressive and a cornerstone of the greater community.

            There are adequate flow-on effects of any economic benefits.

            All bodies of water are returned to their best possible condition. They are recognised and enhanced as living ecosystems and as having cultural significance for tangata whenua (local residents / people [of the land]).

            “Ownership” of, and hence a sense of responsibility with, environmental issues is fostered within the community.

            The community participates fully in decision-making.

            The community values life-long learning.

            Services are provided for youth.

            All residents have equal access to services and facilities.

            Zero tolerance to drugs is promoted in the Otorohanga District.

            Tangata Whenua (local residents/ people [of the land]) are recognised and the community’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) is acknowledged.

            Otorohanga has a strong and vibrant arts community.

            Employment and business opportunities are increased and enhanced, and people in Kawhia benefit from these.

Council contribution to Community Outcomes

            Facilitate Māori initiatives for business or jobs.

            Maintain the State Highway status of Maniapoto Street.

            Economic development will reduce rates burden.

            Develop environmental education programmes that highlight the importance of waterways, both environmentally and culturally.

            Work with the Department of Conservation.

            Promote consultation on issues of importance.

            Maintain and extend tertiary learning opportunities.

            Encourage tertiary education participation.

            Develop learning courses in life skills, parenting etc.

            Link youth with local businesses, access to drivers licences etc.

            A range of options, including a youth forum.

            Promotion of parallel health and social services.

            Provide low cost bus service to Te Kuiti or Te Awamutu.

            Provide a postbox on Gradara Avenue / Mountain View Road.

            Develop a zero tolerance strategy.

            Promote Māori language.

            Promote the community’s awareness of Māori culture.

            Develop an arts forum.

            Establish an arts competition.

            Ensure that local people are employed where possible.

            Fish stocks in the harbour are replaced.

            Infrastructure is adequate to deal with environmental issues from any development.

            Visual and performing arts and music are catered for.

            There is an adequate range of health and well-being, youth and adult social services provided in Kawhia.

            Wahi Tapu sites should be identified and protected. This includes historically significant sites for all cultures.

            That farming and rural activities are recognised and promoted as the major sustainable economic base of the District.

            That facilities and services are maintained and improved in the rural and farming environment.

            That our estuaries, harbours, waterways and wetlands are protected.

            That our countryside receives a high level of protection.

            That the community recognises the natural, historical or outstanding landscapes that are protected by landowners.

            That good animal welfare practices are encouraged.

            That education facilities meet our needs.

            That our essential services are protected. These include health, education, police, rural fire, social services and communications.

            Maintain / promote the population in rural areas.

            That rural activities take precedence in the rural area.

What is the extent of Council’s responsibility?

            Council’s role extends to over viewing and monitoring within the District, acting as a trustee or steward on behalf of the community, to govern in accordance with the principles of the Local Government Act 2002 and to ensure that the democratic governance is clear and understood by all.

            Maintain a healthy harbour for eco-tourism and economic gain.

            Consider the introduction of a reticulated sewerage system.

            Visual and performing arts and music included in recreational and leisure activities.

            Support, enhance and promote social support services for youth.

            Develop social services for adults, including the elderly.

            Encourage Broadband access.

            Improve the community hall.

            Meet regularly with marae committees.

            Update the Otorohanga website to reflect this Outcome.

            Advocate for school bus services to be continued.

            Continuous improvement of phone and internet services.

            Encourage good sustainable farming practices.

            A flood protection / control system is in place.

            Have more policing / control of noxious weeds.

            Protect our biodiversity including indigenous species and habitats.

            Encourage the protection and fencing off of native vegetation, and covenanting and landscaping.

            Establish a contestable fund for the protection of natural and historical areas and outstanding landscapes.

            Consider animal welfare needs, including shade and water for goats on the side of the road.

            Opportunities need to be provided to keep young people in the District.

            Lobby for an increased Police presence and an improved 111 service.

            Plan for our ageing population.

            Improve and promote public transport.

            Maintain rural halls and explore other uses for them.

            Biosecurity controls need to be enforced.

How do we measure progress?

            Ensure all democratic procedures meet all statutory requirements.

            All meetings held in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.

Target Levels of Service

            Produce six-monthly Council newsletters.

            Provide information on Council’s decision-making and provide opportunities for community feedback through submissions and public meetings.

            Local government elections are administered in accordance with the statutory requirements of the Local Government Act 2002, and the Local Electoral Act 2001.

Democratic Process Assets

Information Centre.

Council administration buildings: Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga.