Invercargill City Council
Local democracy
Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.
Local democracy
Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.
Reset expectations around public engagement so people feel valued for taking part, even if their suggestions are not the final outcome.
Participate openly in discussions around reorganisation, provided actual costs of change are highlighted rather than just savings.
Ensure Waihopai and Awarua Rūnaka still prefer the current representation model over a Māori ward.
Focus on greater communication and consultation with the community on local democracy issues.
Build a good education program relating to local democracy issues.
Support anyone in need of support regarding local democracy issues.
Require elected members to interact regularly with diverse communities to ensure an authentic community voice is represented on council.
Investigate the council amalgamation process and develop a sound plan.
Advertise better what is being consulted on and make clear that public feedback is heard and considered in decision making.
Further consider the proposed southern council merger, seeking the best result for ratepayers, value for money and fair representation.
Make clear to the CEO and operations the need to cut waste and find savings, improving efficiency and service from staff.
Implement a structure of six ward councillors and six council-wide councillors with representational review due in 2028.
Maintain mana whenua representation on the council and with local iwi.
Review all council structures including council staff, without cutting staff but with possible redeployment.
Be always available as a councillor for open debate about any subject, respecting each others' views.
Establish a good relationship with all cultures from different countries, not just iwi.
Reset expectations around public engagement so people feel valued for taking part, even if their suggestions are not the final outcome.
Participate openly in discussions around reorganisation, provided actual costs of change are highlighted rather than just savings.
Ensure Waihopai and Awarua Rūnaka still prefer the current representation model over a Māori ward.
Focus on greater communication and consultation with the community on local democracy issues.
Build a good education program relating to local democracy issues.
Support anyone in need of support regarding local democracy issues.
Require elected members to interact regularly with diverse communities to ensure an authentic community voice is represented on council.
Investigate the council amalgamation process and develop a sound plan.
Advertise better what is being consulted on and make clear that public feedback is heard and considered in decision making.
Further consider the proposed southern council merger, seeking the best result for ratepayers, value for money and fair representation.
Make clear to the CEO and operations the need to cut waste and find savings, improving efficiency and service from staff.
Implement a structure of six ward councillors and six council-wide councillors with representational review due in 2028.
Maintain mana whenua representation on the council and with local iwi.
Review all council structures including council staff, without cutting staff but with possible redeployment.
Be always available as a councillor for open debate about any subject, respecting each others' views.
Establish a good relationship with all cultures from different countries, not just iwi.
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