The land
With the miles and miles of open sea, 160 kilometres of coastline, 13 clean fast flowing rivers and 11,200 square kilometres of native bush and scrubland, the Opotiki District is the perfect place for a community that appreciates and enjoys outdoor activities and a natural environment. The district comprises 25% of the Bay of Plenty region and contains 50% of the Bay of Plenty coastline.
The people
About 9,000 people live in the district and each year more than 50,000 visitors experience the environment that we are lucky enough to call home. Approximately one half of the resident population lives in the Opotiki township with the remainder of the population living in smaller outlying communities. There are twenty marae in the district, which are a focal point for local communities, along with a number of strong farming, lifestyle and coastal settlements.
Our Ethnicity
Fifty percent of people in Opotiki said they belong to the Maori ethnic group while European, Pacific Islanders, Asian and other ethnic groups make up the remainder of the community.
The economy
The gross domestic product of Opotiki District in 2006 was $181 million. The economy is driven primarily by agriculture with 410 farms amounting to a total area of 75,660ha. 38% of this area is in beef and dairy farms, 29% in planted forests and 1% in horticulture units. The majority of horticultural land is planted in kiwifruit with plans for further development within this industry.
Labour Force Participation
In 2006, 51% of working age people were employed, with 40% being in full time employment.
Income
Only 38%of people aged 15 years and over in Opotiki District have an annual income of $25,000 or more, compared with a national average of 55%. Thirteen percent have an annual income of more than $50,000, compared with 22% of people throughout New Zealand.
Development
Although a high proportion of residents own the homes that they live in, almost a third of the district population lives in rental accommodation, and according to statistics, this trend is likely to increase. Of those that live in rental accommodation, Opotiki has the third lowest median income in New Zealand.
Over the past three years there has been a steady increase in both the number of consents issued by the Council and the value of the building consents. Added to this, the total value of house sales in the district has increased steadily over the past three years.
The resident population of the Opotiki District is expected to increase by around 10% (1 % per annum) to reach 10,040 by 2016 and visitor numbers to the district are expected to steadily increase at a rate of 5% per year.
Opotiki’s infrastructure has capacity to cope with a higher rate of growth than this.
The community’s vision for the future
These are the things that are most important to the people of Opotiki. Our community has made a commitment to work with others to achieve this vision for the future.
Development and protection of the natural environment
We appreciate and wish to participate in the protection of the environment on both a local and a global level. We recognise that the environment has the potential to generate economic growth for the district and 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.
Services and facilities meet our needs
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.
Fair and efficient leadership
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.
A strong and distinctive community spirit
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.
Purposeful work and learning opportunities
We understand that people can derive pride and purpose from a variety of work and learning opportunities and want to ensure that all opportunities in the Opotiki District provide pathways to personal growth as well as to financial independence. 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
We want to encourage and ensure development that respects and supports the community’s values and goals.
History and culture is treasured
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.