Draft Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy

In early 2024, the Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Whakatāne - Accessible and Inclusive (WAI) Charitable Trust to enable a closer working relationship with, and improved understanding of, disabled people. As part of the MOU, the Council promised to undertake the development of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Policy

We’ve developed the draft policy based on desktop research, first-hand experience and a valuable pre-engagement phase with a range of marginalised and minority groups.

• Document

  Draft Diversity Equity and Inclusion Policy - Te Reo Māori - (302.58 KB)
• Document

  Draft Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy - English - (286.75 KB)

What's happening now?

Submissions closed on Thursday, 5 December. Mayor and Councillors will approve final policy early 2025 and it will be available on our Policies page.

Our proposal

The policy outlines how we can ensure everyone can participate, with extra support for those facing barriers or discrimination. It is designed to ensure we engage with a diverse range of individuals and communities, include them in decision-making, and provide equitable opportunities for those who may have experienced discrimination and disadvantage. The policy aims to tackle systemic inequalities and level the playing field for marginalised groups, and will be essential for service delivery, community development and engaging with and supporting communities.

It will enable us to support community-led projects and initiatives that add to the wellbeing of the people of the Whakatāne District, including iwi, hapū and whānau. It will also support organisations that contribute to wellbeing in our district and help achieve community outcomes and priorities.

The objectives of the policy are to:

• foster a sense of belonging for all our people   
• include marginalised and minority communities in the Whakatāne District in our decision-making. 
• build and maintain quality relationships with our marginalised and minority communities.  
• show empathy, compassion and respect to our marginalised and minority communities.
• encourage an environment where our marginalised and minority communities feel safe to be themselves.