The way Waitaki District Council takes feedback from the public during this year's annual plan will be different from previous years, Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher says.
He said council wanted to bring in as wide a range of people as possible to the council planning process and so the traditional method of people making submissions and holding formal hearings would make way for a less formal setting.
''Rather than have someone present a submission to a room full of elected members, as has been done in the past, the forums will have some of our councillors, along with me, sitting around a table with members of public as a group discussing issues and sharing ideas.''
He said the shift in process was a trial, but it was designed to make people relaxed as they delivered their ideas.
''It's to get people engaged.''
The test for success for the new consultation process, Mr Kircher said, would be around any increase in the range of people making submissions and whether the council was having more conversations with the public.
''It's not about the number of submissions, but the quality of those submissions, and when you have the chance to sit down with someone it adds a lot more to the process.''
He said people should get involved with the annual plan process.
''This is about so many things that affect the quality of their lives. It's not just about taking rates money off people. It's about using that money effectively. The best way to do that is to hear directly from them. It gives us a chance to see what their aspirations are for the community.''
Four consultation forums have been scheduled.. Two will be held in Oamaru on April 4, one in Otematata on April 8 and one in Palmerston on April 12.
