What do you do when rubbish bins in your local walking area are not put out correctly on the kerbside?
For Waikowhai Intermediate student Aaryansh Kanabar, the course of action was to exercise his democratic right and present a deputation at the Puketāpapa Local Board business meeting.
Deputations are allocated time slots for the public to attend the monthly business meetings, to provide an update, raise a concern, or discuss a community issue that needs highlighting.
At the March Business Meeting, Aaryansh was front and centre at the Puketapapa Local Board, getting firsthand experience in local government democracy.
“The bins block our pavement. Please be mindful when you place your bins for collection on collection day, please give us our pavement back,” Aaryansh urged the board.
His efforts paid off. Off the back of his deputation, a localised marketing campaign to be launched which includes a targeted flyer drop to remind the community around correct bin placement on the kerb.
Councillor Julie Fairey sits on the regional Waste Political Advisory Group and was at the meeting to hear Aaryansh’s presentation.
“This is just the kind of community input we need to get into the discussions the advisory group is having, so we can make good decisions that don’t have unintended consequences like Aaryansh has identified here.”
Ella Kumar, local board chair, is pleased to see a young person engaging with local government.
“It was great to see Aaryansh deliver his deputation at our business meeting. It’s a positive reminder to our community that as a local board, our office is always open, we’re here to listen and advocate for our residents.”
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