Figures released after the recent local body elections indicated that voting in smaller towns and rural areas fell by 7.5 per cent, with just 45 per cent of registered voters taking the time to tick candidate boxes.  

While the national average is 36 per cent, the decline in interest within smaller communities has increased concern that some people are becoming more disengaged at a community level.

The low election turnout has renewed a focus on re-generating interest and participation in local government. 

Community development and planning are seen as vehicles to re-engage people and, at the same time, contribute to making spaces better places to live and work. 

Central Otago District Council (CODC) community development officer Rebecca Williams is encouraging people to take the time to re-engage through their community plans.

“Each area has its own plan that can easily be found on the council website. I encourage people to take the time to see what work has already been carried out and think about what work is yet to be undertaken in their area,” she said.

“People often say the council should do this or council should do that, when…many of the best initiatives are formulated and driven to completion at a community level, with council providing advice and guidance when required.”

“We are currently working with Tarras on renewing their plan, which was signed off 15 years ago. 

“It’s a community-driven initiative. The council facilitates the process, and the community decides on the priorities it sets for its vision and goals for the future,” she said.

The various community plans for Central can be found here.