Now We're Talking: Conversation Day a Success
Mayor Celia Wade-Brown is delighted with the success of Wellington City Council's first 'Meet the Mayor and Councillors' day.
Representatives of 63 community groups went to Te Papa yesterday to talk with Councillors about their hopes, concerns and priorities.
Mayor Wade-Brown said the discussions covered a wide range of subjects, with the various groups voicing great ideas about future communications and how the Council can address financial pressures.
She said: "I'd like to thank all the people who took the time to come along and speak to us.
"It was great to see people we have engaged with before and others that we were meeting for the first time. I think in many cases they will be much more comfortable raising issues with Councillors now they have met them.
"With email and the internet it's very easy to send out information - but nothing beats meeting someone face-to-face and having a conversation with them.
"I would like the Council to be more closely engaged with our communities, and this seems to have been a very effective way of building those connections."
The hour-long sessions, which ran between 9.30am and 7.30pm, were completely booked out by members of the public keen to speak to the Mayor and Councillors.
Cr Paul Eagle, Community Engagement portfolio holder, said: "We are planning another day like this in early 2011 and I would urge any groups interested in attending to register their interest quickly because we expect a high level of interest again."
Groups can register by going to: