NEWS RELEASE from Hutt City Council

17 October 2001

COUNCIL BRIEFING SESSION

Hutt City Mayor John Terris has organised a two-day Council briefing for incoming councillors and senior council managers in the Wairarapa in early November. The briefing will include a session on 'strategic visioning', to assist the incoming Council to determine its strategic direction at an early stage in the new triennium.

"Hutt City has tremendous potential and this opportunity for the new Council to spend some solid time together thinking about what our city should look like in 10 years time, and how the Council and the community can work together to achieve that, will be very worthwhile," said Mayor John Terris.

"Obviously, this is only the initial stage of the process and full public consultation would precede any decision the Council might make.

"I favour any initiative that aims to get everyone thinking about the future direction of Hutt City and how we can build consensus on a common vision and approach. I will be encouraging all Councillors to attend.

"We are faced with a declining population and it is imperative that we explore ways to encourage more people and businesses to live and work here," said Hutt City Mayor John Terris.

Chief Executive Rik Hart was very supportive of the idea.

"I want to discuss the outcomes Hutt City Council will be working towards over the next three years and I think it will be useful to bring everyone together to discuss what we want to achieve and how we might achieve it," said Rik Hart.

"This is definitely not a 'bonding' session. It is an opportunity for councillors and officers to discuss direction and priorities in a free and frank discussion that can take place free of the interruptions that could occur if we tried to meet in the city."

"If the session helps to build consensus around an approach to the sustainable economic development of Hutt City it will be money well spent," said Mr Hart.

The cost of the two day session will be under $5,000. A venue in the Wairarapa has been booked. Mr Hart is comfortable that the estimated cost for the session is modest.

ENDS

For further information please contact: Kirk MacGibbon Communications Manager Hutt City Council DDI: 04-570 6940 Email: kirk.macgibbon@huttcity.govt.nz

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