Council Chamber opens for community to speak

21 March 2017

Taupo District Council is opening its chamber to the community before its monthly meetings to allow people to address the Mayor and councillors on local issues.

Mayor David Trewavas said the public forums would be an opportunity for people to talk about either upcoming agenda items or other topics of interest to the Taupo District.

"We know the value of listening to the people who matter - our community - and we want to hear their views," he said.

Mr Trewavas said 30 minutes would be set aside at 1pm before each monthly council meeting for the forum, with each person allowed up to five minutes to express their views or share ideas.

Mr Trewavas said the forum was not a formal meeting, so no decisions would be made by councillors, nor would there be any debate. If councillors wanted a matter taken further it would be done so in a formal setting in the future and speakers informed.

Those who are interested in speaking at the inaugural public forum on Tuesday, March 28 should register by 5pm Thursday, March 23. Registrations for speaking should be lodged the Thursday before each meeting.

Visit www.taupo.govt.nz/publicforum for more information and to register to have your say.