The Eastern Bay of Plenty’s three territorial authorities – the Ōpōtiki, Kawerau and Whakatāne District Councils – and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council have formed a Joint Committee to explore and take advantage of collaboration opportunities.

The Joint Committee will be made up of two elected members appointed by each Council and will hold its inaugural meeting in the Whakatāne District Council chambers on Monday 8 July. Members’ first job will be to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) setting out the purpose and principles of the committee.

The MOU confirms a commitment to “maximising collaborative initiatives for the benefit of Eastern Bay of Plenty communities” and speaking with one voice on matters of mutual interest and concern, to ensure that issues are responded to and managed on a sub-regional basis.

Key principles include:

• Working in good faith in a pragmatic and collaborative relationship at both governance and executive levels
• Sharing information, expertise and research where there is a mutual interest and benefit
• Encouraging integration and consistency of planning across the Eastern Bay of Plenty
• Developing agreed positions on matters of importance
• Investigating opportunities for achieving cost efficiencies through shared responsibilities and services

The joint committee will make recommendations for each of the constituent councils to consider. Its chairperson will be elected annually, with responsibilities shared amongst the four councils on a one-year, rotating basis.