Wee Delights projects set to be included in next Long-term Plan
A host of smaller-scale projects that aimed to improve the lives of Invercargill and Bluff residents will be included in Invercargill City Council’s upcoming Long-term Plan.
As part of its early engagement process, Council ran an initiative that encouraged residents to suggest small project ideas that would make a big difference to the community.
The Wee Delights initiative generated more than 230 entries in its main competition, for people aged 14 and older, while the competition for tamariki aged between 5 and 13 attracted just under 110 entries.
At a Council meeting last week, elected members agreed to include a number of project suggestions in the upcoming LTP. That included allocating $5000 to a community group to run a manu competition and safe swimming event in Bluff, a $5000 investment for food or fruit tree planting in South Invercargill, $5000 for opening dog tracks within Donovan Park, and $5000 for fairy or outdoor lights at one park or reserve in the city.
With many of the children’s entries focused on water play opportunities, Councillors also agreed to allocate between $1800 and $2800 for a movie night event at Splash Palace.
Mayor Tom Campbell said he looked forward to getting the wider community’s input on the proposed project ideas when the LTP went out for public submissions in early 2027.
“Sometimes it is the small things that make the biggest difference, which is what this initiative was all about – asking our community for its feedback on what wee change could have a noticeable impact in making their day-to-day lives more enjoyable,” he said.
“The LTP sets out Council’s key priorities for the next decade, and it’s an enormously valuable tool in shaping what our community looks like in the years to come. Encouraging people to be part of that process is really important in ensuring our community feels a sense of ownership in the decision-making process.”
The Wee Delights competition was run as a random prize draw to encourage as many people as possible to enter, Campbell said.
The generosity of local businesses Bill Richardson Transport World, Murihiku Māori Tours, Fern & Feather Retreat, The Langlands, Solve It & Escape, Southern Saunas, Hayz @ the Anchorage, and Splash Palace – who had all donated experiences to the initiative – was a key factor in incentivising people to enter, he said.
“The prizes gave everybody who went in the draw the chance to win some wonderful experiences celebrating the best of Invercargill and Bluff, and further encouraged everybody to celebrate what makes our community special – now, and in its future. We are really appreciative of those businesses that lent their support to the Wee Delights initiative, and to everybody who took the time to take part.”
Council’s Draft LTP is scheduled to go out for public consultation in March next year, before coming into effect on 1 July, 2027.
