Feedback from the Tararua District community has given Council clearer direction on Libraries, Footpaths and Economic Development as work continues on the 2027–2037 Long Term Plan.

A total of 281 topic responses were received through the Design Your Ideal Services, Council’s second round of early engagement. These came from 174 people, who also provided 445 written comments. The Round Two Engagement ran from 7 to 27 September.

The engagement followed the Budget Challenge earlier this year, which asked the big-picture questions about what people value, where Council should focus and where it could spend more or less.

Where that first round showed divided views or raised further questions, Council went back for more detail on three areas: Libraries, Footpaths and Economic Development.

Mayor Scott Gilmore said the two rounds were designed to build on each other.

“The Budget Challenge gave us the big picture. This second round helped us understand what sits underneath those views, what people value most, what they want services to look like, and what the trade-offs could be.”

“Together, the Budget Challenge and Design Your Ideal Services are helping shape the options and choices we will put to the community when formal consultation begins early next year.”

For footpaths, the clearest message was to maintain and make safe what Council already has before building new footpaths. People wanted better maintenance and safer access, particularly for prams, walkers and mobility scooters, but were cautious about paying more: 44.3% said no to higher rates and 40.9% would pay more only reluctantly.

For libraries, weekend access was the clearest signal, with 73.5% of respondents including weekend hours in their preferred timetable. Almost half wanted some opening after 5pm. Feedback also showed people see libraries as more than places to borrow books, with interest in community spaces, activities, meeting places and technology alongside traditional library services.

Economic development produced divided views during the Budget Challenge. Round Two tested more specific options and produced a clearer picture. Bringing grants and other external investment into the district received the strongest support, with 47 of 77 respondents giving it a major focus.

From feedback to choices

Mayor Gilmore said the quality of the feedback was particularly valuable. “People did much more than tick a few boxes. They gave us 445 written comments, challenged some of the options and explained what these choices mean in their everyday lives.”

Feedback from both rounds of early engagement will be discussed in upcoming council workshops and help shape the choices Council puts to the community during formal Long Term Plan consultation early 2027.

Quick facts

• 113 responses on libraries, 77 on economic development and 91 on footpaths
• 73.5% of library respondents wanted weekend access
• 61% of economic development respondents gave external funding a major focus
• Maintenance and fixing safety problems on Footpaths ranked as the top priorities, above building new footpaths
• 92% said the information provided in the engagement was clear or mostly clear

All the results, including every comment received, are now available online in an interactive dashboard:

Round 2: Design Your Ideal Services | Tararua District Council