Whakatāne District Council is calling on the community to provide feedback on its draft Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy. This policy will serve as a guiding framework for the Council to support and celebrate diversity, inclusion and equity in its work and everyday interactions.
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 Policy.
Frank Begley, Manager Community Partnerships, emphasises the importance of community involvement in shaping the final policy.
"A community that embraces everyone who belongs to it is strong and united, which benefits us all,” says Mr Begley. “We need to keep in mind that by supporting diversity and inclusion, we are much more likely to achieve equity.”
The objectives of the policy include fostering a sense of belonging, ensuring marginalised and minority communities are included in decision-making, and building relationships based on empathy, compassion and respect.
"We need to make sure everyone feels safe to be themselves, and that starts with having a policy that reflects the needs and aspirations of all our communities,” Mr Begley adds.
The draft policy also outlines how the Council will work to tackle systemic inequalities and provide extra support for those who have faced barriers or discrimination. This is essential for ensuring equitable participation in community development and Council services.
The current Local Government Act 2022 includes a mandate for local authorities to promote social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing of communities in the present and for the future.
“We really encourage people to join the conversation and let us know what they think,” Mr Begley says. “Have we got it about right, or are there things we’ve missed? Every piece of feedback will be considered, and will help shape the final policy.”
“As part of our commitment to inclusion, there will be an opportunity for people who would prefer to provide their thoughts verbally, rather than write a submission, to do so at the Living Together Committee meeting next month.”
More information, including the draft policy and submission form, is available on Council's engagement platform, Kōrero Mai. Hard copies are also available from Whakatāne District Council’s Customer Service Centre at 14 Commerce Street, Whakatāne, the Murupara Service Centre on Pine Drive and from Whakatāne District Libraries. All feedback must be received by 5pm Thursday, 5 December 2024.