Got Ideas for the Future of Wellington? Call our Hotline!
13.01.09

Do you have views on the city’s future? Then call our hotline, talk to the Mayor or Councillors and tell them what you think. Wellington City Council is running the hotline tomorrow evening (Wednesday 14 January, 7.00pm to 9.00pm - phone (04) 801 4205) to canvas views from residents about what they value about the city, what level services should be funded and what services could be reduced.

The Council is about to develop its next 10-year plan (Long Term Council Community Plan) for the city till 2019. The plan is the document that the Council uses to guide what it does, the services it provides and how they will be funded - through rates, user charges or in other ways like partnerships with other organisations.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast says the Council has some tough decisions to make over the next six months as it grapples with how best to keep rates affordable without compromising the things that make the city such a great place to live.

"The future outlook financially is difficult and, like everyone else, the Council faces a number of challenges. Before we develop a draft plan for formal consultation we want to hear from the public how they think we can keep Wellington great and also keep rates increases to a minimum. We'll seek views in a range of ways including meetings, a residents' panel, online polls and many others - the hotline is just one way.

"We know that not everyone can get to a meeting, wants to join a panel or go online. Some people are more comfortable on the phone and this way people can get on the phone and share their views directly with us."

The first hotline will be open between 7.00pm and 9.00pm tomorrow (14 with more dates to follow in February. Mayor Prendergast and Councillors Ian McKinnon, Iona Pannett and Hayley Wain will be on the phones. The hotline number is (04) 801 4205.

ENDS

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