Introducing Viewpoint Whanganui

Published on 18 May 2016

18 May 2016

We’re really pleased to launch ‘Viewpoint Whanganui’, a new forum for community feedback where people who are passionate about Whanganui can have their say about issues that impact our district.  

Viewpoint Whanganui will feature a series of topics for people to provide feedback on via comments, polls and surveys.  

Policy Analyst Alex Staric, who is helping to facilitate the blog, says Viewpoint Whanganui doesn’t replace the formal consultation process, but provides another way for people to talk about issues affecting our district which matter to them.  

“We are using ‘Viewpoint Whanganui’ to collect information about what direction the community thinks we need to take. This will assist with getting an understanding from people about issues and ideas early on or even during a project or strategy rather than at the end, which we think works better for everyone.”  

The first topic on the blog is called ‘Art@Whanganui’ and, using a survey tool, asks people about their views on art.  

“This is just one example of the kind of topics we want feedback on. Whether you love art, did some when you were a student or would rather play cricket, we want to know your views.  

“We will also be posting topics on anything from the environment to our district’s infrastructure. Or we might ask for information about a policy or bylaw we want to adopt before the official consultative procedure begins to see if we are on the right track.  

“All information provided will be treated and stored confidentially. As long as people treat each other well online, we welcome all sorts of different views on diverse subjects. I’d like to see a wide range of people contribute to the Viewpoint Whanganui blog. It would be great to have everyone use it like they use other social media tools.  

“It’s a direct line to our community and a way to get people engaging with us.”  

To give us your views please visit www.whatdoyouthink.org.nz.