Western Bay of Plenty residents are being urged to speak up for their neighbourhoods to help make it a better place to live.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council's revamped Your Place Tō wāhi platform is a place for everyone to share what's important to them and their community.

This refreshed campaign has taken a bold new community-led approach to ensure we're having the right conversations, says the council.

Western Bay Mayor James Denyer says it's time to do something different to connect with our communities on their terms.

'We all lead busy lives. We've all got families, jobs and bills to pay and only so much time to spare. We designed Your Place Tō wāhi with that in mind, so it's easy for you to take part in conversations about the things you care about happening in your neighbourhood.

'We know that if we want you to share your thoughts with us, then it's our responsibility to make sure that conversation is local at heart, led by community, and filled with the kind of community spirit that leads to trusting, open kōrero.”

Denyer says it's as important as ever that everyone contribute to the kōrero, 'because Your Place Tō wāhi can't create great, bespoke outcomes for your community, without your voice”.

To ensure we're local at heart, the council have been working with key community leaders across the district to identify the local issues in the neighbourhoods to sit alongside the district-wide discussion topics on Your Place Tō wāhi.

'This approach is designed to let our communities set the agenda, and to allow each person to quickly get to the crux of the issues they care about.”

The topics vary in each community, but include things like does Waihī Beach need a ‘Safer Street Plan' improving pedestrian safety and access around the town, finding a solution to the dumping of waste in and around Maketu, and concerns with safety and congestion on many of the roads right across the District.

'We know the needs of our district and communities are diverse – sometimes different, sometimes the same. No matter what, one size does not always fit all.

'With a large District like ours, we've grouped the District into 12 ‘neighbourhoods' to ensure that even our small settlements are included,” says the mayor.

'At the same time, we want to know what you think on the other big topics affecting everyone in our district.

'These include like how you get from A to B, more options for minimising waste, how you feel about the way in which you are currently represented at the Council table, and speed limits on the roads you drive.

'We're keen to hear everyone's thoughts on these so we can get a very clear picture of what's happening in the District and where we need to focus our efforts.”

Map of Western Bay of Plenty District Council area from Waihi Beach to Pongakawa. Image: Supplied.

How do I have my say and go in the draw to win a $100 grocery voucher?

Online wānanga ipurangi - Start now by heading to our new interactive website – www.yourplace.nz - which features quick polls, background information and some of the history of each neighbourhood.

Everyone who completes their neighbourhood's polls goes in the draw to win a grocery voucher. For example, if you live in Maketu you will need to complete the four community topics, plus the six topics we need feedback on too. You will then be able to provide your details to go in the draw.

You can also tell us about anything else that's important to you, even if it isn't included in one of the topics.

Face to face kanohi ki te kanohi - Your communities are running events, or attending existing events, right across the District. These events are supported by Council. You'll be able to talk to local people who can relate on the local issues you share and do it in a local setting where you feel comfortable and heard.

Hard copy pepa mārō – paper feedback forms are available at all of Council's library and service centres.

Feedback closes at 5pm on Friday June 30.

Free community events: