There was only one problem with a well-organised Dunedin City Council expo last month - a lack of people.
That was the feedback the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board gave a senior council manager at its meeting
"It is a pity no-one came," chairman Alasdair Morrison said. "There was a lot of enthusiastic community board people standing there with nobody to talk to but ourselves."
The $45,000 two-day expo at the Dunedin Town Hall involved council departments, including community boards, running stalls to show the public what they do, as part of the council's consultation on the community plan.
Board member Andy Barratt said he spoke to just one member of the public during the time he was there, from opening until about 2pm on the Saturday.
Board member Murray Holland said he identified only five people who were not council staff while on a wander around the expo.
He suggested the council should consider having a smaller roadshow, which it could take around the suburbs.
Board member Geraldine Tait said some of the council staff had obviously put a lot of effort into their stalls.
Council general manager strategy and development Kate Styles said, when contacted after the meeting, about 2000 people had attended the expo, including 400 school pupils who were given an insight into council activities and employment opportunities.
Staff had enjoyed the opportunity to meet the public and explain the services their departments provided, as well as the chance to network and meet other staff, Mrs Styles said.
About 100 people filled in a questionnaire about the expo, with 95% saying it had increased their understanding of what the council did, while 86% said they now understood how to participate in the council's planning process.
