ABOUT THE OXFORD-OHOKA COMMUNITY BOARD
The Waimakariri district is divided into three wards with the Oxford-Ohoka Ward covering predominantly the southern to the south-western area of the Waimakariri district.
Bordered by the Waimakariri River, the community areas include Mandeville, Ohoka, Eyreton, West Eyreton, Swannanoa, Oxford through to the northern foothills, Ashley Gorge, and across to Lees Valley.
The community area of Oxford-Ohoka comprises a diverse mix of properties and people, ranging from small to medium-sized urban settlements to rural farms. As the largest geographic Ward in the district, the community area plays an essential role in the economic growth and character of the district.
While farming and land-based industry are the traditional economic activities, there have been notable recent growth in dairying, construction and manufacturing.
What is a Community Board?
The Local Government Act (2002) states that the role of a Community Board is to represent and advocate for the interests of its community. The Waimakariri District is currently divided into three wards and four Community Boards, with the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board providing feedback, leadership and support to residents within its community area.
The Oxford-Ohoka Community Board is the district’s newest Community Board, elected for the first tme in the October 2016 Local Body elections. The Board comprises six elected members, plus two appointed Councillors of the Waimakariri District Council, giving it a total of eight members.
The Community Board is not the Council, nor is it a commitee of the Council. Instead, the Board works collectively with the Council to achieve community goals. The Board is also responsible for any areas delegated to it by the Council.
How does the Community Board do this?
• Taking an overview of the Council’s services and projects affecting the Ward area, including water supply, sewerage, stormwater drainage, parks, recreational facilities, roading and traffic management projects
• Engaging with residents, community organisations, and groups in developing local solutions, keeping the public informed, and being visible and accessible
• By encouraging community participation in Community Board and Council decision-making
• Advocating to the Council on key issues and priorities for the community area, especially through the Annual and Long Term planning and budgeting process
• Granting of leases or licences on reserves
• Working collaboratively with other Community Boards to promote an understanding for the work being done in the district as a whole
Maintaining positive working relationships with key Council staff and management.
