Rural and Coastal Advisory Group
The Council makes decisions and delivers programmes that have a direct impact on rural and coastal communities across South Wairarapa. These include work relating to land management, roads and bridges and rural resilience. Local, practical advice from our rural and coastal communities is essential to ensure this work is effective, realistic, and grounded in an understanding of our communities.
The Rural and Coastal Advisory Group provides a unique opportunity for rural practitioners and coastal communities to bring their perspectives into Council decisions.
Why we established this group
The Rural and Coastal Advisory Group was identified during the Representation Review process to connect communities in South Wairarapa. It was established to provide advice and feedback to Council and relevant committees, on matters affecting the rural and farming community.
The group helps:
- Ensure the wellbeing, needs, and views of rural and coastal communities are reflected in council planning, policy decisions, and service delivery.
- Provide council with a strong, informed rural and coastal perspective on issues affecting our communities — including roads, rates, water, resilience, forestry, climate impacts, coastal issues, land use planning, and more
These are complex, interconnected issues that will benefit from local insight alongside technical advice. The Group will give the community a meaningful way to bring local knowledge, lived experience and fresh perspectives into Council’s thinking.
The groups purpose
The Rural and Coast Advisory Group will:
- Provide advice on the development of relevant policies, plans and strategies as they relate to rural and coastal issues.
- Support council engagement with the district’s rural and coastal communities.
- Provide feedback on matters of particular interest or concern to rural and coastal communities.
While the group is advisory only, it will provide evidence-based recommendations that Council (or relevant committees) can consider through its development of policy, strategies and annual and long-term planning processes.
Who is part of this group
The group was appointed by a panel comprising district councillors and Mayor Fran Wilde following the Expressions of Interest process. The group members are:
Jenny Boyne from Tora has been appointed chair. Aaron Woodcock, Bec Nicholson, Belinda Milnes, Brian Jephson, Chris Sparks, Geoff Vause, Kim Hayes, Lee Flutey. They will be joined by Councillors Collier Isaacs and Aidan Ellims.
Members were selected to ensure a strong mix of local knowledge, lived experience and professional expertise in the following areas:
- Strong understanding of rural and/or coastal issues
- Knowledge of their community and its needs
- Experience working in, or with, rural or coastal sectors
- Links to local organisations, iwi, or community groups
- An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance to local government
Previous governance experience is useful but not required.
How the group will operate
Members will be appointed for the current triennium (2025–2028)
Members will:
- Attend quarterly meetings or as required (two to four hours each)
- Reading and preparation before meetings
- Occasional additional engagement such as workshops, emails, or surveys
- Provide practical, experience-based feedback on Council.
- Participate respectfully in group discussion and represent a broad rural and/or coastal perspective