Council opens door for Te Reo and sign language submissions
Presenting submissions to councillors could be a very different affair for the 2018-28 Long Term Plan when hearings take place in May.
Traditionally, if a person chose to present their submission to Council, it was spoken in English. This year, however, two further options are available – presenting a submission in Te Reo Maori or NZ Sign Language.
Mayor Craig Rowley says, “We’ve come to expect that some Waimate residents wish to present their submissions verbally and it has always been in English. What we’re doing now is offering alternative ways so that residents who are more comfortable communicating in either Te Reo or Sign are given an opportunity to speak to Council.”
“Should a resident choose either the Te Reo option or NZ Sign Language, we will make suitable arrangements with an appropriate translator so that everyone in the room understands what is being said and any questions from councillors can be translated and answered.”
The public consultation period for the Long Term Plan ends at 4pm on Wednesday 16 May 2018 and hearings are scheduled for Tuesday 29 May.
“People wishing to present their submission verbally in Te Reo or Sign can do this at our scheduled Hearings as long as we have enough forewarning to make arrangements.”
“This is an important public consultation process and I encourage people to express their views before the closing date on Wednesday 16 May.”
Submissions can also be recorded – in English, Te Reo or NZ Sign. For various reasons some people would prefer to verbally read or Sign a submission which can be recorded by a Council staff member.
“People wishing to take up this offer can do so between 12 noon and 6pm on Wednesday 11 May. Special arrangements will need to be made before this date if a person choses Te Reo or Sign.”