Let the transformation begin.

With the third and final “implementation phase” of the Transformation Programme being given the green light by elected members last week, the Waitaki District Council has launched a new way for people to have their say.

An online engagement platform called Let’s Talk Waitaki is the start of a “transformational approach” by the council to talk with and listen to the community, a media statement said.

Phase three - implementation, follows the completion of the first two phases - discovery and planning. The three-year plan is estimated to cost around $4.5m.

Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said the Let's Talk Waitaki platform is a way of involving the community at the start of the process, rather than going through the process and then getting feedback.

“We’ll be going back to the community at different points, to hear what they have to say. It’s important we hear from as much of the community as we can, and not just in these surveys, but in future too.

“Let’s Talk Waitaki gives people that chance and opportunity,” Gary said.

Community input through Let’s Talk Waitaki will be taken into consideration in the development of the upcoming Long Term Plan for 2024-34, as well as community board plans, locally focused placemaking (the process of creating quality places people want to live, work, play and learn in), and other council projects and services.

The platform is a new way for the community to share thoughts on the district, and will be combined with local in-person sessions.

Let’s Talk Waitaki will let users add comments and location pins on maps, upload images, participate in discussion forums and submit ideas about their local area.

Council chief executive Alex Parmley said they are pleased to be rolling out the new approach.

“One that is people-centred, that builds relationships, favours depth over breadth, and engages diverse communities.”

Users can choose to participate anonymously, or register on the platform to access the more interactive elements.

For those who register, information gathered through the questionnaires includes the participant’s name, year-of-birth, where they live, whether they own or rent a house, own a business, study in the district, or are visiting. Ethnicity and gender are also requested so the council knows which parts of the community it is hearing from, and which it isn’t - so it can use alternative means to reach those parts of the population.

“Council’s goal is to be inclusive and provide a variety of ways for people to engage and share feedback, which means being as representative of the community as possible. Data gathered will help evaluate whether this goal is being met,” the media statement said.

Under the Let’s Talk Waitaki umbrella, It’s Your Place has also been launched, offering surveys to residents, businesses, visitors and youth, asking them to think about what makes their place unique and special.

On completing a survey, participants will be invited to RSVP to one of 11 Community Conversation sessions around the Waitaki District between October 16 and 26. 

These local, facilitated sessions will encourage people to delve deeper into what they love about where they live, what could be improved, and where they think their communities are heading. 

Elected members and council staff will be present at each of the conversations.

For those who prefer, printed copies of the surveys can be picked up from Waitaki District Libraries and council offices.