Western Bay of Plenty District Council is looking for community members who are passionate about Te Puke and want to help create the town’s future.
Applications are now open for the Te Puke Community Ideas Forum – a group of people who will work alongside tangata whenua and elected members to provide input into the Te Puke Spatial Plan.
The spatial plan will guide how Te Puke grows and develops over the next 30 to 50 years, helping shape decisions around housing, transport, community facilities, business areas, open spaces and the natural environment.
Council is seeking a diverse range of people with strong connections to Te Puke, whether that’s living, working, or visiting – you don’t need to live in Te Puke to apply.
General Manager Strategy and Community, Annika Lane, says Community Ideas Forums are already playing an important role in helping shape future planning work across the Western Bay.
"The forums we've established in Katikati, Te Puna and Waihī Beach have brought together people with different experiences, perspectives and ideas, and the quality of discussion has been incredibly valuable.
"Participants have helped identify local priorities, challenge assumptions and provide insights that only people who know their communities well can offer."
Annika says being part of the forum gives people a unique opportunity to contribute to long-term planning for their town.
"This isn't about making decisions on behalf of the community. It's about helping us test ideas, understand local perspectives and make sure we're considering the issues that matter most to Te Puke.
"If you care about the future of Te Puke and want to be part of some important conversations, we'd love to hear from you."
Applications are open until 5pm Wednesday, 29 July.
Applicants will need to be available to attend two Te Puke Community Ideas Forum sessions on Wednesday, 7 October from 6pm-8pm and Wednesday, 14 October from 6pm-8pm.
As spaces are limited, applications will be independently assessed to help ensure the forum reflects a broad cross-section of the community, including different ages, backgrounds, interests and experiences.
For more information or to apply, visit yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/te-puke-spatial-plan.
