Mayor Bryan Cadogan and ward councillor Hilary McNab were joined by council staff in a classic-car-towed roadshow caravan in Papatowai and Jacks Bay for the first of a series of community outreach sessions across the region between now and Friday.
The sessions formed part of a wider community consultation entitled ''Our Place Catlins'', which will run until March 15.
Council representatives will be seeking ratepayer and visitor feedback on seven key topics ranging from landscape, environment, reserves, climate change and opportunities and challenges for communities, to roading and other infrastructure.
Respondents would also be questioned on attitudes towards freedom camping, although this had not been a major focus in early discussions, Mr Cadogan said.
''People here in Papatowai have placed a stronger emphasis on the environment, and concerns relating to their specific community, such as sewerage and speed limits.
'But we've got a long road ahead of us, so I expect to hear a wide range of issues.''
Mr Cadogan said he was ''excited'' to be spending the summer meeting Catlins residents and visitors, following similar community consultation in Balclutha, Milton and Waihola.
In common with results from those processes, Catlins feedback would be considered in the council's long-term planning.
''The Catlins have very different community dynamics and needs to other parts of our district, and there are some pretty passionate, independent people down here.
''We'd like people to see this as their opportunity to dream about the future they want to see in their communities.
We're serious about it, which is why we're here during the holidays, so we just hope the community grasps this unique opportunity.''
Further events this month include:
Pounawea, today 10am-2pm: Foreshore reserve, beside Pounawea Motor Camp; Newhaven, today 2.30pm-4.30pm: Surat Bay Rd; The Nuggets car park, January 4, 10am-noon; Kaka Point, January 4, 1pm-4pm: Beach St, by fire station. Kaka Point Market Day, January 12, 10am-2pm: Beach St; Owaka, January 24, noon-3pm and 6pm-8pm: Owaka Service Centre, 10 Campbell St.
