The Local Government Act 2002 endeavours to strengthen local democracy and ensure the ongoing well-being of communities. In a nut shell, it changes the way we have been deciding our future. It makes it easier for all people to have a say in how their district develops and it ensures that the powers that be are listening.
What is a community outcome?
The Community Outcomes were created by the people of the Opotiki District with the help of Opotiki District Council. There are seven clear goals that when combined, create a picture of how we, the community, want our district to be in the year 2016 and beyond. Our outcomes embrace all aspects of life in Opotiki District - social, environmental, cultural and economic issues have been discussed and considered by all those who contribute to the wellbeing of our district. They create a picture of what we are aiming for, an idea of how we will achieve it and a plan for measuring our progress.
The outcomes shape the future and form a basis of how all the major players in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, including the Opotiki District Council, conduct their business in Opotiki in the future. Every three years council will engage the community in a review process where progress toward achieving the outcomes will be monitored. Every six years through consultation meetings and surveys, Council and the community will review the outcomes to ensure they are still the goals we wish to achieve.
How were they developed?
Throughout February 2005 the community held a series of meetings throughout the district and a postal survey to collect all the thoughts and ideas of people in our communities. We also joined forces with Kawerau, Whakatane and Environment Bay of Plenty to collect thoughts from the wider Eastern Bay of Plenty and we worked with government agencies, Iwi and community groups to develop our plan for the future.
As a community we considered the four well-being areas which re defined by the Local Government Act as social, cultural, economic and environmental. We discussed the impacts the future could have on these well-beings using media and advertising campaigns, stakeholder meetings, public presentations, workshops and hui, Eastern Bay and Opotiki District surveys and person to person contact.
During this period we found that generally, people had similar levels of interest in all four wellbeing areas. They wanted to know that the culture would be preserved through sport, art, historic perservation, cultural interchange and acknowledgement of the community spirit. They wanted to see the economy develop and support initiatives that increased employment, training, spending and investment in the district and they expressed concern for the preservation and enhancement of the district, national and global environment.
The social well-being of the district is of great concern to most residents. People wanted to see strong families, active and involved young people, the elderly happy and well cared for and improvements in basic facilities for such things as health, education and community amenities.
Opotiki District Council gathered the community comment and endeavoured to encapsulate the wishes of the community in seven draft community outcomes. These were then amended, apporoved and prioritised by district survey then launched at a special event in June 2005.
Measuring Progress
If we are to keep up a steady pace toward our goals we need to keep track of our progress. Some of the ways we measure our progress are listed under each outcome. More methods will become clear as we continue to work together to achieve the same goals.
There are a number of measurement methods already available to us. Government agencies can provide data and statistics on a wide range of issues and Council also measures various aspects of the district through meetings, focus groups, resident surveys and activity monitoring. Statistics New Zealand is also able to provide vital information from the five yearly census.
We will continue to look for new measurement methods and to develop a monitoring plan that will help keep us on track to creating a future that we have designed.
The first monitoring report was produced in June 2008 using facts and figures gathered by the regional monitoring group and feedback from a community survey.
The results of the community survey undertaken in 2008, show that most people agree that progress is being made towards achieving the community outcomes.
Opotiki District Community Outcomes |
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Development and protection of the natural environment
What does this mean?
We appreciate our natural environment and wish to participate its protection on both a local and a global level. We recognise that the environment has the potential to generate economic growth for the district. We are willing to explore and develop that potential if we are sure it will not adversely affect, or if it restores or improves, the environment of the future.
What do we want to see?
The potential of the natural environment developed and protected
Harbour entrance opened
The aquaculture potential of the district developed
Pollution and refuse/litter issues addressed
Environmental tourism promoted
Planning and controls which reflect the environment
Advocation on global issues
Foreign and Maori land ownership issues managed with care
Coastal development managed
Education as part of environmental management.
How will we achieve it?
We will support and encourage environmentally friendly development, carefully manage land ownership, growth and development and support initiatives that tackle environmental issues and improve understanding of the environment.
Services and facilities meet our needs
What does this mean?
We want to ensure that we all have access to modern and efficient public facilities and services which are designed to meet the needs of our community.
What do we want to see?
Facilities and services that meet current and future needs and are accessible to all.
Facilities and services that meet or surpass national standards.
Vital services and facilities are available to all.
Both civic and community facilities are created and maintained for the future.
Facilities and services that meet diverse expectations of the community.
The needs of youth and the elderly are met.
That services and facilities are integrated into the community and are a source of pride to the people of the district.
Full hospital facilities provided.
Roads and transport networks appropriate to traffic requirements and district growth needs.
How will we achieve this?
We will help agencies and organisations to identify our specific needs and support and encourage effective planning for the future.
Fair and efficient leadership
What does this mean?
It is important to us that our leaders consider the social needs of our community as well as the need for a businesslike approach. We want them work together towards the future and to communicate in ways we understand along the way.
What do we want to see?
Leadership that is visionary, community focused, efficient and representative.
Leaders have a social conscience.
Community leaders are efficient, fair and businesslike.
Leaders understand and work towards the "big picture".
Leaders who are non-partisan and able to work with others for a common purpose.
Community representatives who are honest and open and use communication that is easily understood.
How will we achieve this?
We will have positive involvement in the day to day affairs of our community and encourage and support those leaders who show the attributes and values described above.
A strong and distinctive community spirit
What does this mean?
Our rural community is friendly and supportive and works together to achieve common goals. We want to ensure that the strong and distinctive spirit and character of our community does not change over time. This is who we are and we are proud of it.
What do we want to see?
The spirit and character of the Opotiki Coast community remaining strong and distinctive.
Events and activities providing opportunity to work and play together.
Opportunities to learn about the community made available.
People being proud to be involved in collective efforts.
People being encouraged, and having the capacity to give to their community.
The open, friendly character of the people remaining unchanged.
How will we achieve it?
We will value and promote this aspect of our community and we will support and encourage positive community activities where people work and play harmoniously together.
Purposeful work and learning opportunities
What does this mean?
We understand that people can derive pride and purpose from a variety of work and learning opportunities. We want to ensure that all opportunities in the Opotiki District provide pathways to personal growth, as well as to financial independence.
What do we want to see?
People deriving pride and purpose from a variety of work and learning opportunities.
Programmes that tackle unemployment as an option available in the district.
Businesses and agencies caring about people and their needs.
Stable year-round employment available.
Skills-based learning opportunities that are appropriate to the district.
Innovation and endeavour being supported by the government and the community.
People in difficulty being encouraged and supported.
How will we achieve this?
We will be involved in the development of employment programmes and promote the development of career pathways within the private sector.
Development supports the community
What does this mean?
We want to encourage and ensure development that respects and supports the community’s values and goals.
What do we want to see?
Innovative development that involves and supports the community.
The community as a major partner in development.
Support being provided based on community needs.
Practical and resourceful solutions are always available.
Tourism potential being developed with a focus on the natural qualities.
The town centre developed and maintained as an enjoyable meeting place for all people.
How will we achieve this?
We will work positively with organisations and individuals to promote those values and to find innovative solutions.
History and culture is treasured
What does this mean?
Sport, art and culture are an enjoyable and valuable way to increase our appreciation of each other and our own health and wellbeing. Our history is also a part of who we are and its preservation is seen as a way to increase understanding of our community.
What do we want to see?
History and culture treasured and promoted.
Art and culture valued as an enjoyable part of our culture.
Opportunities for artistic and cultural expression increasing.
People deriving pleasure and knowledge from learning.
People feeling welcome and comfortable within different cultural and creative environments.
Historic sites, stories and traditions being preserved and respected.
Community groups being supported in their efforts to provide facilities, activities and events for the community.
How will we achieve this?
We will be involved in activities which support these values and work together to promote our own and the interests of others.
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Where to from here?
We will get together to consider ways we can further each of these outcomes and to establish way to measure our progress.
In three years time we will check that we are moving forward and in six years time we will make sure that we are still on track to creating the future that we want for Opotiki District.
How do I get involved?
Think and talk about the outcomes with others and get involved in public discussions and activities which support and progress these aims. |
The future is ours to create. |