New Methven Community Board chair Megan Fitzgerald is committed to increasing community engagement via putting the board’s meetings online.
Fitzgerald, in her second term on the board, was elected as chair at the first meeting of the new local body term on Monday.
The board’s meetings are open to the public, while minutes are shared at Ashburton District Council meetings, which are livestreamed.
In a report before board members on Monday, district council staff recommended the board provide audio recording online after the meetings. It would cost an estimated $1000 to install a centre- table microphone.
Fitzgerald said the board felt for that much money it could be worth opting for livestreaming.
The report estimated it would cost $3000 for a microphone and fixed camera to record meetings, but didn’t provide a breakdown of additional costs for livestreaming.
“We are interested to see what the costs are before we make a decision,” Fitzgerald said.
She believed there was interest in the board, and a shift to livestreaming, or audio recordings, would tie into the recently adopted Methven Community Strategic Plan 2025.
The strategic plan set a goal of Methven being a well informed and participating community.
“We think there could be a way to visually capture all the board members and be able to hear their thoughts and opinions,’’ Fitzgerald said.
“Community members can tune in if they are interested in what the board are doing in general or on specific topics.
“It’s a really good way to get the community engaged.”
Community and open spaces general manager Toni Durham said the recommendation had been to start with providing audio recording, but the board was leaning towards livestreaming and asked for further information on the additional costs and processes.
“We will get that information sorted for the next meeting,’’ Durham said.
“It will be a simple, straightforward system aimed at increasing engagement.”
The livestreaming option will be revisited at the board’s next meeting on January 26.
Meanwhile, Fitzgerald replaces previous chair Kelvin Holmes, who did not stand at the last local body elections after a long career.
She said it would be a big responsibility carrying on Holmes’ work.
‘‘There is a lot of momentum, so it’s a big job to keep that going,’’ Fitzgerald said.
