Residents Groups

The Christchurch City Council has established a policy to encourage communities to group together and look constructively at the needs and wishes of their residents.

The Council supports and recognises groups of residents who are prepared to promote and advocate for the interests of their neighbourhood.

Residents' Groups Formation And Recognition

The Christchurch City Council encourages the formation of local residents' groups.

Local residents' groups are able to apply to the Community Board for recognition as an 'official' residents' group for an area.

The group is required to show that it is truly representative of its area and prepared to represent the views of its residents to the Council and/or other relevant organisations.

When officially recognising the group, the Community Board ensures that the boundaries for resident's groups within each community are appropriate and do not overlap.

Such groups, upon recognition, receive the right to be consulted by the Council on work planned within their boundaries.

Typing and photocopying services for official residents' groups are provided, within limits approved by the Community Advocate.

How To Start A Residents' Group In Your Area

Talk to as many residents as possible and set up a meeting. Publish a leaflet with the date, place, time and purpose of the meeting. Distribute through people's letterboxes. Place notices in local shop windows, church noticeboards, public notice columns of your local newspaper. Invite Councillors and Community Board members, and other local organisations eg service clubs, churches etc to attend.

To help and encourage participation, the Fendalton Advocacy Team may be able to assist with seeding or promotional costs. Discuss this with Paul McOscar, Community Development Adviser, phone 941 6730.

Related Information
Contact Details For Local Residents Groups