So, What do you Think?

New Plymouth District Council is looking for more local residents to give it direct feedback on projects and services.

The Citizens’ Panel is a community feedback network where residents take part in workshops or focus groups, or fill in questionnaires or take part in telephone surveys.

There are more than 280 people on the Citizens’ Panel – and the Council wants to grow that number.

“What’s really important is that we involve people of various ages, backgrounds, employment and location so that we get the opinions of a cross-section of the community,” says Mayor Harry Duynhoven.

“The panels are useful sounding boards for us. Through them we’re able to get a steer from the community about general Council issues as well as specific projects that occur throughout the year.

“Also, the people on the panels have found them worthwhile and they’ve enjoyed having the chance to get involved. They often talk about the issues that came up with their friends and family, which is a great way to inform more people about what is happening.”

The Citizens’ Panel was set up about 18 months ago and consultations have ranged from strategies and bylaws (such as the alcohol and community safety strategy and the skin piercing bylaw) to parks, reserves and recreation, and the Council’s communications.

Panel members are aged 18 or older, and those taking part in workshops and focus groups are likely to receive a small reimbursement for their time and costs.

To register for the Citizens’ Panel, go online to newplymouthnz.com/panel, call 06-759 6060 or email enquiries@npdc.govt.nz.