Community consultant Sandra James, of Connecting People, said work had begun on a plan to shape the future of the remote community, which was facing challenges such as a declining and ageing population, declining job opportunities and ageing infrastructure.
The Southland District Council completed the first phase of the community leadership planning process on Stewart Island and in the wider district in March. That included workshops with the island's community board about the island's future opportunities and identified what was important to the community.
Mrs James said it was now time for the wider community to have a say.
``We want people from a wide range of interests and ages who are passionate about the future of Stewart Island to become involved.''
Along with a residents' survey and suggestion boxes, a community engagement fete would be held on Stewart Island on November 10, as well as two community workshops.
The plan would then be developed and presented to the council in February.
