CATALYST EVENT -Demystifying local government… Queenstown locals are invited to a special event (Tuesday, July 15) designed to open up the often-confusing world of local government. Let’s Talk About… Local Government is a free, welcoming community kōrero

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Demystifying local government…
Queenstown locals are invited to a special event (Tuesday, July 15) designed to open up the
often-confusing world of local government. Let’s Talk About… Local Government is a free,
welcoming community kōrero that will explore how local councils work, who makes
decisions, and how residents – including migrants and newcomers – can have a say.
Hosted by Happiness House in collaboration with Catalyst Trust, Queenstown Libraries and
Citizens Advice Bureau, the event takes place on Tuesday 15th July in Queenstown
Events Centre’s upstairs meeting room.
Through curious, open conversation with Elections NZ and Councillor Esther Whitehead,
attendees will be guided through the basics of local governance in Aotearoa New Zealand –
including how to make sure you can vote, why local decisions matter, and how diverse
communities can be better represented.
We know many people in our community come from places where systems work very
differently – or where civic engagement hasn’t always been encouraged. This event is about
creating a friendly, non-political space where people can simply learn, ask questions, and
connect.
Topics include:
 What councils do and how they affect our daily life
 Who can vote, who can stand for election, and how to do so
 Why your voice matters in shaping the future of our town and district - and how to
have it heard.
 Open kōrero to share questions, experiences, and reflections
The session is perfect for those who may have never voted before, feel uncertain about how
the system works, or are simply curious to understand more. Tea and coffee will be provided,
and all are welcome.

A follow-up Coffee & Questions session will be held the following week on Tuesday 22nd
July at Happiness House – a cosy, informal drop-in for anyone who wants to keep the
conversation going or ask more questions in a relaxed setting.

Register on our Humanitix
link.
Event Details
Let’s Talk About... Local Government

Venue: QUEENSTOWN EVENTS CENTRE (UPSTAIRS MEETING ROOM)

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