Future representation has become a big issue for rural residents who have an opportunity to have their say at two hall meetings.
The first is tonight at Maungatautari and there residents from Kaipaki, Monavale, Horahora and Roto-o-Rangi will be able to talk about a proposal to have one mega rural ward and two representatives in the Waipā district.
Cambridge Community Board member Andrew Myers and his dog Pippa, with chair Jo Davies-Colley. Photo: Sylvie Davies-Colley.
The proposal was unveiled last week at a council workshop and would see the Pirongia and Kakepuku ward merged with the Maungatautari ward.
Boundaries would alter to suck up population increases in Cambridge and Te Awamutu for the two urban wards of Cambridge and Te Awamutu/Kihikihi.
The Māori ward is still up in the air waiting on the progress of the government’s bill which Waipā, like most local authorities, do not support.
Later this month, on June 20, Whitehall, Fencourt and Karāpiro residents can attend a meeting at Te Miro Hall.
Current wards in Waipa.
Board member Andrew Myers said other topics will include road maintenance, rates setting, the enhanced annual plan and the upcoming Long Term Plan.
“But if people can put their burning issues forward, we will try to answer them,” he said.
It will be like the roadshow events held for Ahu Ake – the spatial plan roadshows – with staff and elected members also present.
The change in style comes after numbers at the various halls were down.
Myers said having two big meetings rather than several smaller meetings was a trial worth doing.
Halls will be rotated in future years.
Cambridge Community board member, Andrew Myers, (left) – who represents rural constituents – chats with Kaipaki residents Michael and Lesley Brighouse during the community board’s rural tour stop at Kaipaki Settlers Hall.
