Opotiki is giving the community the chance to engage directly with council staff with the return of their widely popular annual pop-up shop.

The pop-up shop features key council staff members, who are expected to bring new and exciting information to the table.

Regular information such as council planning and civil defence will continue to be available alongside new topics such as waste minimisation, the pathways to work initiative, and the future shape of the town and district in light of challenges such as growth and climate change.

Opotiki Mayor, John Forbes, says that the pop-up shop is always popular and provides an opportunity to engage directly with the community.

'Council makes as many staff available over that period as possible so things can be discussed right there and then.

'It is a great opportunity to be able to ask all sorts of questions and get answers from the source.

'It is also great to meet and talk to people, including some that wouldn't usually have much to do with council or the work it does. It is a new perspective and new questions and fresh thinking,” says John.

'This year, we will have a bit of a focus on the Long Term Plan. I know that it sounds like a dusty council document, but in fact it is a direct line to let council know what they should and shouldn't spend their effort and funds on for the next ten years.

'People will also be interested in the Pathways to Work information.

'Growing good job opportunities locally is a big focus for us and this year Toi Ohomai and Te Whare Wananga a Awanuiarangi will be there, along with our own College, Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust, Te Pou Oranga o Whakatohea and Toi EDA.

'It will be a great opportunity for people keen to find pathways into work locally. There will be information, people to talk with, and giveaways.

'And in a different focus, Motu Trails will have someone there to talk about the cycleway and what it means for Opotiki and opportunities for the community. They'll have someone to chat to on Friday morning," says John.

Members of the public are invited to come along and share their thoughts and talk to council staff about any council activity.

'This is a great opportunity to see all the different council activities under one roof and speak to staff face to face. I encourage people to come to town and have a catch up,” Mr Forbes said.

The pop-up shop will be in the vacant shop between Pizza Hub and Kerry Nott Pharmacy at 116 Church Street, from 9am to 4pm, January 25-26.