This forum will meet every six weeks. While not an official committee under the Local Government and Official Information and Meetings Act, the Information Forum will focus solely on information reports. This will enable the standing committees to focus on those matters requiring decisions with greater efficiency and focus.
As well as staying in touch with their communities, our Mayor and Councillors need to read and listen to a hefty amount of information to stay up to date on all things Tasman.
Be it reports, workshops, discussions, or agendas for a myriad of meetings they attend, all this preparation enables them to make informed decisions once they convene in the Council Chamber.
Much of this information will help them make key decisions around the table, while some of it is simply provided for context and background on other areas that concern the Council.
It’s a lot to process – especially when it’s all presented within a single sitting – so we’ve made an important change to our committee structure for the 2025 – 2028 triennium.
Reports for information only that were previously received by the Council or Committees will no longer be included in these respective meetings, unless legally required.
Instead, we have introduced the Information Forum to streamline the way our Elected Members can get up to speed on Council happenings, therefore allowing governance meetings to focus on decision-making aspects.
Cr Trindi Walker has been appointed chair, with Cr Kerryn Ferneyhough serving as deputy, and the Mayor and all Councillors are members of this six-weekly Forum.
In presenting to the Forum, information reports can be shared in alternative formats such as written summaries, presentations, videos, or live demonstrations.
The Information Forum will remain an important meeting alongside our full Council meeting and two high-level Standing Committees.
As with most meetings, it will be open to the public with the ability to go into confidential sessions when required by standing orders.
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