How is the role of community boards proposed to change in the future?

Community boards will remain as a strong link between our local areas and the Council. Their role, which is enshrined in legislation, is to represent and act as advocates for the interests of their community, to maintain an overview of the services provided by Council, and to consider and report on matters that are referred by Council or of interest to the board. 

Community boards are working with Council staff to determine what roles and connections they would have, if districtisation goes ahead.

 Roles for community boards that may be discussed as part of the district approach include:

• Develop relationships and communicate with key organisations, special interest groups, community members and businesses
• Update Council on Community Board matters and community issues via the chair updates (on rotation)
• Make submissions to Council on matters relating to the ward (such as the Annual Plan and and Long-term Plan processes) – currently confined to ward-based delegations; could include all Council functions relating to their ward
• Monitor the services Council provides in the ward and how these services meet the needs of the community
• Encourage public participation/involvement in meetings; initiate and attend informal public sessions (these could occur alongside other community events) 
• Act as a liaison on key projects/ council activities
• Undertake elected member training, to further develop their skills, and progress to take on roles on other committees/panels. 
• Clarify and promote the role of the community board in the ward and wider communities.
• Take interest in Council meetings/workshops and have an understanding of decision making at Council level.
• Attend community events, meetings and groups where possible within their ward and district.