In Auckland? Join the People's Panel

A good opportunity to get some women's views, and in particular some feminist ones, into the Auckland Council cogs, is to sign up for the People's Panel.  It's an online survey process the Council is using to bounce ideas around, kind of like a big online focus group.  I'm generally pretty sceptical about these kinds of things, and I'm not totally sold on this one either, but I figure it can't be a bad thing to get more diversity in this group and I suspect our readers would provide some!

Here's the media statement from Auckland Council:

Do you want to make a difference and have your opinion heard when Auckland Council is planning ahead, proposing changes or making decisions?

The Auckland Council People's Panel is looking for Aucklanders who want to have a say on issues and be a sounding board for future plans, policies, innovative new services and service improvements.

Shelley Watson, Manager Communications and Public Affairs says the People's Panel gives Aucklanders an opportunity to provide feedback on the things that are important to them.

"We want to know what Aucklanders think about our services, policies and plans, and to hear new ideas about how Auckland can become the world's most liveable city."

Joining the People's Panel is easy. Simply log on to http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/peoplespanel , complete your details and we'll invite you to complete your first survey or feedback form.

Participants will be asked to provide feedback on at least three topics a year via a monthly email. In return, we will share the results and feedback so that residents can see how their views are impacting and shaping council policies, plans and services.

"Auckland is a culturally diverse region. The People's Panel needs volunteers from all communities across the region to join in and take part. We want to ensure that results and feedback represent the views of all Aucklanders."

"We particularly want residents from the West, South and North Shore areas. The former Auckland City and Rodney District areas are represented from previous panels whose membership has transferred from the former councils."