Manawatū District Council community committees

The Manawatū District Council’s community committee structure has been in place since 1990, supported by a community committees policy that allows identified communities of interest to establish an advisory body to assist the council to meet its responsibilities to that community. They are an informal link between the Council and the community whereby an exchange of information, opinions, proposals, recommendations, and decisions can take place. The Council has 16 community committees, each with a dedicated liaison councillor.

In 2013, Manawatū District Council established its Community Planning Programme, which supports communities to develop a shared vision for their community, make a plan to achieve the vision and identify priorities, and implement the plan. The Council’s work programmes and Asset Management Plans then aim to align with these community plans. The Council provides annual funding to help communities to undertake small-scale, grassroots projects. Each committee receives $3,000 a year for projects and seed funding, and they can also apply to a $60,000 contestable fund.

To date, 13 community plans have been completed. Community plans have improved the community’s engagement not only with the Council but within their own communities, with more residents working together to achieve the community’s vision. Community plan projects – made possible through volunteers, donations, and Council funding – have included community events, walkways and cycleways, 24-hour accessible toilet and shower blocks, playgrounds, skateparks, tennis court resurfacing, beautification, bus shelters, community BBQ/picnic areas, cenotaph upgrades, village square upgrades, and reserve developments.