Playing catch-up: Rural & Coastal Advisory Group
South Wairarapa is moving to catch up with neighbouring districts Masterton and Carterton which have implemented a new tier of local representation by setting up rural advisory groups as part of their council processes.
South Wairarapa has identified 10 rural and coastal communities it believes should be incorporated in what planners have labelled a Rural and Coastal Advisory Group.
Work on setting up a formal group of up to six people to reflect the issues of coastal and rural dwellers is well advanced, based on the models of the neighbours, with similar bodies in Marlborough and Otago _ where the key focus is on emergency management.
The rural and coastal communities in South Wairarapa have been identified as:
Coastal: Ngawi, Lake Ferry, White Rock.
Rural: Ruakakoputuna, Kahutara, Pirinoa, Tuturumuri, Ponatahi, Longbush, Hinakura.
Officials have recommended a group of 6 – 8 representatives, with two of the members also sitting councillors. No costs appear to have been indicated or identified for the new body and its servicing.
The group’s purpose is defined as “to allow advocacy for this community to council and committees of South Wairarapa.”
The scope of their activities is seen as “providing advice, information and recommendations to SWDC on services affecting rural communities.” This would include feedback on Annual Plan, Long Term Plan and community consultations.
Draft terms of reference for the project are expected to be presented to council’s key Strategy Working Committee in early 2025.
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