An independent review of Southland’s community boards has provided a quirky insight in how local meetings can switch from gossip to "chilling" page turning when members get down to business.

The district council commissioned its first health check of the boards since 2021, and included the results in a recent meeting agenda.

It listed a range of improvements including an induction at the start of the term, an annual community board get-together, and better agendas.

But it also included a humorous observation from report writer Elizabeth Hughes on changes in behaviour amongst members.

Hughes said there was a contrast in how people behaved as humans and as board members, with relaxed conversation often giving way to a more serious atmosphere.

“In one case, a room filled with local gossip, good conversation and laughter went entirely silent. And all you could hear was the chilling sound of pages being turned, followed by rote reading of resolutions.”

Community boards did not have to follow all the rules of formal council meetings and were allowed to have a more relaxed approach outside of making decisions, she noted.

The report canvassed anonymous feedback from 30 board members across the region, highlighting challenges with agendas, workshops and “rubber stamping”.

One member complained too much information was provided, saying it often went unread.

“It ties us into talking about a lot of council-speak and wastes time.”

While “rubber stamping” had improved since 2021, there was still a sense amongst some that their decisions were irrelevant.

“In staff’s opinion we are volunteers and not seen as very skilled,” a member verbalised.

One member also said they probably wouldn’t stand again because the rules made it “very awkward” to speak up.

Despite the criticism, respondents rated their community board’s performance as above average and believed support from council was much improved.

Advice for improvement included creating a handbook, allocating buddies and improving resources in areas such as remuneration, business cards and email addresses.

Southland district is home to nine community boards, ranging from Fiordland to Stewart Island/Rakiura.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air