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Waikato District Council is inviting residents to play a more direct role in shaping the district’s future through a new Community Voice Panel.
The panel will bring together residents to take part in short online surveys throughout the year, with feedback used to help inform council planning, services and priorities.
Mayor Aksel Bech says the initiative is designed to make community input easier and more inclusive.
“We know traditional consultation at the end of a process doesn’t work for everyone. This panel removes some of those barriers and gives people a straightforward way to have their say, without needing to attend meetings or work through long documents,” Bech said.
“It’s about listening earlier, more often, and to a broader range of people, so council decisions are grounded in what matters most to our communities.”
Panel members will receive a small number of short surveys each year, designed to be quick and easy to complete. Responses will be used alongside other engagement and data to guide council decision-making.
Bech said building a panel that reflects the diversity of the Waikato district is a key priority.
“We want to hear from people of different ages, backgrounds and locations across the district, especially those who don’t usually engage with council,” he said.
Anyone aged 16 and over who lives in the Waikato district is eligible to join the Community Voice Panel.
More information and sign-up details are available at: waikatodistrict.govt.nz/communityvoicepanel.
