AI being used in plan submission process
Artificial intelligence is being used in the Central Otago District Council's long-term plan submission process — but machines are not taking over, the mayor says.
The council's long-term plan received more than 1050 submissions — a record — and Mayor Tamah Alley was celebrating the high numbers.
Ms Alley said the high level of engagement during the month-long consultation was "incredibly positive", particularly after a slow uptake.
"People have obviously had a hurry-up in the last couple of days since our council meeting."
Council staff still were entering the last of the hard copies that had come in and a final tally was expected next week.
She called the consultation the council's "most successful ever" in terms of numbers, helped by the work of staff and elected members.
"We've put in a lot of effort to engage the voice of youth, and also young families, and we've seen an increased turnout from these demographics, which is heartening," she said.
"We need younger people to be involved and interested in what is happening with their council."
One of the public Q&A sessions held by the council took place at Dunstan High School, and 285 of the submissions received were from young people.
However, overall attendance at the 10 community sessions held across the district was "not high", making her question the ongoing relevance of "town hall" style meetings, Ms Alley said.
"I think these numbers indicate the way people receive information and want to engage with council is changing," she said.
"There appears to be a larger preference for people to view the information in their own time, in their own home online or in hard copy, and then respond."
She congratulated communities that organised themselves to have a say, acknowledging Poolburn residents who came together to brainstorm and submit on things that mattered most to them.
In a unique move, council staff are using artificial intelligence alongside people power to find common themes and clarify priorities and feedback from individual wards and demographics.
The mayor sought to allay any ratepayer concerns on this process.
"Rest assured, your elected members have been busy over the past few weeks reading all the submissions as they come in, so the AI process is to supplement and not replace this part."
Among topics consulted on were volumetric water charges, the future of Alexandra's outdoor pool, a new community hub for the Manuherekia, a possible "Supercars" event in Cromwell and increasing council debt. Hearings will start on May 15, with deliberations on May 20.
The plan will be adopted by the end of June.
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