Catherine Stewart Tauranga City Councillor

Last Tuesday, Tauranga City Council held a rebranded Community Connections meeting at Papamoa Library and Community Centre.

To date, attendances have been poor – usually more staff than community present. Perhaps the starting time of 6.30pm is not convenient for many in the community. I will report back next week with latest attendance figures.

If you have any ideas on how we can improve these meetings, please contact us at electedmembers@tauranga.govt.nz.

Elected members will begin discussions in the next few weeks on Council's 2016 Annual Plan. The future of council's building in Willow Street will be one of many matters that is bound to stir responses from many different sectors of our community. Everyone will get a chance to have their say during this process.

The Long-Term Plan (10-year plan) that was just adopted by council is reviewed every three years.

A reminder that you can come and speak to elected members at any Council meeting for up to 10 minutes, just contact Democracy Department on 07 577 7000 to arrange.

This is an opportunity to bring your ideas and/or concerns to the attention of elected members.

If you would like to leave a message for elected members phone 07 985 6171.