Zone 3 Councils Visit Tararua

Day to day functions of the offices of the Ombudsman and Auditor-General and strategies to improve voter turnout for local body elections are among the subjects for discussion this week at a Tararua District Council hosted Zone 3 meeting.

Councils congregated at Dannevirke this week for the two-day gathering of more than 40 representatives including mayors, chief executives and councillors.

Zone 3 incorporates councils from Taranaki and Ruapehu across to Hawke’s Bay and south to Horowhenua.
Keynote speakers were Ombudsman David McGee and Auditor-General Lyn Provost along with Local Government New Zealand President Laurence Yule presenting the Key Issues Report.

Ways to improve voter enrolment and engaging communities were discussed by Electoral Enrolment Centre representatives Tania Styles and Fiona Strang.

Presentations from “Around the Regions” were given by each local authority along with an update from the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs.

Tararua’s Strategy and District Development Manager Peter Wimsett outlined broadband fibre optic proposals.

To showcase the region Mayor Maureen Reynolds hosted “A Taste of Tararua” with a visit and tour of Tui Breweries.