The Governing Body has approved the Mayor’s proposal to establish six demographic advisory panels with new terms of reference.
The advisory panels are the Disability, Rainbow Communities, Seniors, Youth, Ethnic Peoples and Pacific Peoples Panels.
The terms of reference include some changes to the operation of the panels. They include a focus on regional and strategic matters within the remit of the Auckland Plan and providing advice on council policies and strategies such as the Auckland Plan, Long-term plan, annual plans and the organisational strategy, including those of Council Controlled Organisations.
There will also be stronger engagement with the Governing Body and the organisation.
The Youth Advisory Panel will continue to comprise 21 members, one per local board area.
For the other panels recruitment will be through an open process with six to 10 members selected on their their individual competencies, experience and knowledge of diverse communities.
The Governing Body also noted that, with other models for engagement available, at the end of this term of council it may be appropriate to consider a different model for engaging with diverse communities.
