Wee Delights competition launched
Invercargill City Council is engaging with the community on its Long-term Plan (LTP) 2027-2037 early, kicking things off with a competition that showcases the best of Invercargill and Bluff.
Launched at the Southland A&P Show on Saturday, the Wee Delights competition encouraged members of the public to submit their ideas for small projects – ones that cost about $5000 or less – that would make a big difference in their neighbourhoods, for consideration to be included in the LTP.
Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell said the Wee Delights campaign encouraged residents to play a role in shaping the long-term future of the city. Entrants were asked to pin a location on a map of Invercargill and Bluff and describe their project idea to enhance it, for the benefit of the wider community.
“As a Council, our focus is very much on ensuring our community has the core infrastructure, services, and facilities it needs. We also wanted to think about what small improvements, or ‘delighter’ projects, could be included within a tight fiscal envelope,” he said.
“It made sense to ask our community what wee tweaks could be made to their neighbourhoods, to make them even better for the people living there.”
Those who entered would go in the draw to win a range of experiences from local businesses, Campbell said.
“Invercargill and Bluff are full of locally-owned and operated businesses that are innovative and creative, and offer people world-class experiences unique to our community,” he said.
“We have been blown away by the generosity of the businesses who have come on board. The prizes on offer really showcase the very best of Invercargill and Bluff, and we’re delighted to be able to partner with a range of businesses in the community, and give away some truly stellar experiences. We know there are going to be some very excited and lucky winners following the competition.”
The grand prize included a private tour with Murihiku Māori Tours, a one night staycation at The Langlands Hotel, a luxury outdoor bath experience at Fern & Feather Retreat, and a $150 meal voucher from Hayz @ The Anchorage. Meanwhile, spot prizes included an annual family pass to Bill Richardson Transport World, a beachfront sauna session at Ōreti Beach with Southern Saunas Invercargill, an escape room experience at Solve It & Escape, and a family pass to Splash Palace.
Council was also running a Wee Delights competition for tamariki aged between 5 and 13 years old. Entrants could submit their project ideas individually or as a class, and would go in the draw to win an afternoon tea with the Mayor – followed by a swim at Splash Palace – for themselves and their classmates.
“The Wee Delights competition is about encouraging people to tell us what would have a real, tangible impact on them, regardless of their age, and I hope our youngest residents share their ideas with Council too,” Mayor Campbell said.
“It’s never too early to have your say, and I’m looking forward to hearing the ideas the children of Invercargill and Bluff share with us.”
Competition entrants did not have to provide a business case for their project. All of the ideas received would be presented later in the LTP process to elected members, who would discuss whether some had the potential to become reality, Campbell said.
“The focus is on gathering achievable and attainable project ideas that really matter to people,” he said.
Council Manager Strategy, Policy, and Engagement Rhiannon Suter said the LTP guided Council’s strategic decision-making around how it planned, funded, and delivered services to the community across a 10-year horizon.
Its development gave the community the opportunity to shape the direction of Council, by providing feedback on its priorities, service levels, and investment.
“Work on the LTP is well underway, and it’s a key focus for elected members. That means it’s really important for the community to be part of the conversation, and connect with their Council, right from the start,” she said.
“Early engagement in the LTP process strengthens the community’s ownership of the decisions that impact them, and helps us plan the future direction of Invercargill and Bluff.”
The consultation document for the LTP would be presented to Council in late 2026, before a public consultation period opened in March 2027. The final LTP would then be adopted by Council in June.
The Wee Delights competition would run until Sunday, 3 May, with winners drawn at random. Click here to find out more and to enter the competition.
