Open day to engage community

‘Your community, your future, your choice.'

That's the message to Te Puke residents invited to have their say on the future of the town at a community open day on Saturday, November 21.

The Te Puke Community Board, Te Puke Town Centre Redevelopment Project Team, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, and Volunteer WBOP are joining up for the day to gauge residents' thoughts on a range of issues.

Council's community engagement manager Frank Begley says anyone can talk to people involved about the Te Puke Community Plan, the regeneration of the town centre, cycleways, and more.

People can also enjoy a barbecue and activities, including a selfie with the biggest artificial pre-historic dinosaur dropping in New Zealand.

As part of the day, council's wastewater team will be seeking feedback and support on the renewal of their resource consent for the town's wastewater treatment plant.

Utilities manager Kelvin Hill says wastewater isn't the prettiest subject, but it is an important one.

'The consent for Te Puke is up for renewal and we need residents' feedback and support to do this. We want to ensure Te Puke remains a pristine environment.”

Anyone interested in a tour of the treatment plant can join in on the day, as long as they're wearing closed in shoes.

Frank says the idea for the open day came from the desire to talk to the community about a range of topics.

'There's a lot going on in Te Puke right now. The town is adjusting to the opening of the Tauranga Eastern Link, and its new Te Puke Highway. There's also been a lot of work in the background on the updating of Te Puke's community plan, and atown centre revival is underway.

'Rather than talking to people about the different projects at varied times, this open day means people can easily get up to date with everything, and come to us with any questions, comments, ideas and feedback in one location.

'Residents' opinions are valuable. We encourage everyone to come along and let us know what they think.”

Te Puke Skatepark Project Group will be running a barbecue,and there'll be colouring in for children running throughout the day.

The open day is from 10am-2pm on Saturday, November 21, at Te Puke Memorial Hall.

A presentation on the Community Plan is from 11am for everyone interested.

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