Be a voice for your community
Published on 04 December 2024
We’re looking for people keen to make a positive difference in the community and help shape council decisions.
We now have spaces open on our community reference groups.
Our current reference groups are the Disability Reference Group, the Pasifika Reference Group and the Seniors' Reference Group. These groups — made up of 8 to 15 volunteers each — serve as direct channels for Council to hear from communities and ensure their voices are considered in decision-making.
General Manager of Customer and Community Danelle Whakatihi says the groups provide Council with valuable insights from people who have lived experience in specific communities.
“Our community reference groups provide the opportunity to speak to us directly about what’s important for the people and the groups they represent. Their valuable knowledge and advice help us to shape services, strengthen relationships, and improve understanding of local needs.”
“The Disability Reference Group ensures people with disabilities are represented in Council priorities, the Pasifika Reference Group connects us with Palmy's growing Pasifika communities, and the Seniors' Reference Group provides a platform for senior citizens to have their voices heard on issues affecting them, she says.
“If you’d like to contribute and be a voice for your community, please get in touch!”
To be considered, reference group members must live in the Palmerston North City Council boundary and commit to being available to attend all meetings (either online or in person) for the year. A broad understanding of the issues relevant to each reference group’s area of interest would be beneficial. In each group there are 5 roles to fill. Each role will be for a three-year term.
To register your interest in this position, please email us at communitydevelopment@pncc.govt.nz by Friday 24 January 2025.
In that email, tell us about yourself, why you’d like to be part of one of the reference groups and what knowledge or expertise you can bring to the group. If you know of someone who may be interested in being part of one of these reference groups, please encourage them to apply within the above deadline. We’ll be in touch with all candidates soon after the expression of interest period closes.