Corren Ngerengere – 2025
Corren Ngerengere – Cambridge Community Board
1. Should councillors sit on the two community boards or should it be just those elected to the board by the public for that specific role? (50 words)
Yes. Councillors can strengthen the connection between council and community boards, ensuring two-way communication making for a better understanding of local issues, priorities and opportunities. This relationship can also support council priorities, which contributes to improved community outcomes.
2. Would you support a Māori ward seat on the community boards? (50 words)
In 2021 Waipā District Council consulted the community on the establishment of a Māori ward. From the 879 submissions received, 84% were in support. I acknowledge the strong community backing for Māori representation therefore, I would support the election of a Māori ward representative on the Cambridge community board.
3. Should the central business district be the main hub for retail and business or should the 15 minute neighbourhood strategy in Ahu Ake be adopted? (50 words)
Cambridge CBD is a drawcard for visitors, and there is great community pride in our town centre. I support this as the main hub for retail and business. With growth and transportation challenges ahead, I also support elements of the neighbourhood strategy that makes life easier for Cambridge locals.
4. Community board chairs sat in on annual plan, long term plan and other council business during this term. Is that a good thing or it doesn’t go far enough? Te Kanohi representatives have speaking and voting rights at committee meetings, should community board chairs be allowed to have that also? (50 words)
It is encouraging to see community boards more involved in council business this triennium as it strengthens local voice and accountability. However, without speaking and voting rights, the influence of community boards remains limited. It would be good to see community voice strengthened.
5. In the case of the Blue Blob in Cambridge and the Kihikihi Cycleway, the community boards weren’t consulted before it was too late. Should community boards be more involved at an earlier stage? (50 words)
Community boards exist to represent the voice of the community in council decisions. With Cambridge Connections, a key opportunity to hear community sentiment was missed. This not only had financial implications, but it has negatively impacted trust and confidence in council.
6. A member of the Cambridge Community Board was on the earlier Cambridge Connections project group but was sworn to secrecy and unable to report back to the board. Was that fair? (50 words)
It’s difficult to see why a community board member was expected to operate independently of their board and community. This placed the member in a compromised position. Council processes must prioritise open and honest transparency, enabling boards to fulfill their function rather than being excluded from important discussions.
7. Community advisors were appointed during Covid and the position still exists today. Should they report more regularly through to community boards? (50 words)
In Cambridge, the community advisor met regularly with the chair to enhance work programme visibility and attended monthly community board meetings. Reports must add value, they need to serve a clear purpose that aligns with the role’s expectations. Any reporting should strengthen the board’s ability to best represent the community.
8. What sort of decisions could community boards be involved with to take away pressure on councillors? More delegated authority? (50 words)
Community boards play a vital role in representing local sentiment. Some delegations could be considered for projects with strong community impact however, these opportunities would need to be well researched to identify what they are with roles clearly defined to avoid duplication. It would also need to be resourced appropriately.
9. Should community boards have more funding available for discretionary grants? (50 words)
There are always more applications than discretionary funds available, and community needs are increasing. A more targeted funding approach could assist alongside alignment with community and council priorities. Improving support to access alternate funding could also be of benefit.
10. Do you believe Waipā District Council should continue to have community boards? (50 words)
Community voice is incredibly important in council decision-making. When high-functioning, boards provide valuable local insights and, when listened to, can provide great community outcomes. However, there is a risk, if boards are not high-functioning, they can be ineffective. I commit to being an effective board member.
See: Cambridge Community Board candidates – in their own words
