Bach and holiday homeowners spending Matariki on the Coromandel are being asked to take three minutes out of the long weekend and fill in a survey.
It is the survey about how their favourite getaway and holiday spots could look into the future.
Thames-Coromandel District Council wants all its residents and ratepayers to have a say on the proposed local government reform and that includes those who love holidaying across the district.
“Only seven days to go – to tell us where to go” – the Council are hoping to get as many views as possible from people who care about the future of their local district and council.
“We have until 15 July to get as much feedback as we can on the proposed options,” said Acting Mayor John Grant. “The Government has not given us much time to make a decision on the Head Start proposal which needs to be submitted by 9 August so please do have your say so we understand which way we should go.”
Acting Mayor Grant said several people had been asking why the Council had not included a standalone TCDC unitary option.
“To submit a proposal under the Head Start process the Council had to select options that met the Government’s criteria. One of these was that the Council must submit a proposal that includes at least one other council.
“If we do not meet the criteria, TCDC’s proposal would be declined and then we would enter the Back Stop process. This is the process where the Government decides which way we should go.
“Rather than wait for that, our Council decided to be proactive and consider options for the Head Start,” Acting Mayor Grant said. “However, we are still listening to all your views so if you feel strongly about us going it alone, then let us know.”
Following the first Community Briefing held this week in Thames, the Council is also adding additional financial information to the Simplifying Local Government page on its website at the request of people who attended.
Feedback so far
Nearly 500 people have so far filled in the online response form, with many more making their views known through speaking to elected members and attending the Community Board briefings being held this week.
The thing most people report being concerned about is retaining local voice in whatever option is selected.
A summary report of the respondents’ feedback will be provided on the Council’s website around 16 July with a full version available once all feedback (including written comments and views provided to elected members) has been collated.
Next steps
Once the feedback is collated, this will be shared with elected members and will feed into their considerations to finalise an option for Head Start.
Between this time and a decision being made, the Simplifying Local Government Working Group will continue discussions with potential council partners – including work on governance options, financials and structure for any new Council.
On 6 August, the Council will be making its decision on which way to go.
Have your say
Go to the TCDC website for more information and to fill in the online feedback form. A booklet explaining Council’s proposed options, which includes a feedback form, is available at TCDC service centres and our three District Libraries.
Supplied content TCDC
