Community Outcomes
What are community outcomes?
Community Outcomes are statements of what local communities wish to achieve, now and in the future. These statements are identified through community consultation over a period of many years. Their purpose is to help guide groups and organisations that contribute to community wellbeing, and hence promote better co-ordination of community resources.
Why do we need Community Outcomes?
Community Outcomes are intended to help guide groups, organisations and councils that contribute to the wellbeing of the community by giving direction on the aspirations and priorities of the community.
How often do we need to carry out a Community Outcome process?
Councils need to consult on Community Outcomes at least once every six years. They need to focus on the medium and long term goals and aspirations of all communities in the district.
How do we do this?
Council provides opportunities for communities to discuss their desired outcomes for the present and future social, economic, environmental, and cultural wellbeing of the community and the District. It is also important that consideration is given to the relative importance of the identified outcomes and to prioritise them. As with many things, there is no point in having a goal if you don't have a process to measure how to get there. To this end, Council has set up systems to measure and report our progress.
Who decides the process?
Council may decide how to engage with the public to identify Community Outcomes, but must also ensure that it consults with those organisations and groups that could influence either the identification or the promotion of these outcomes.
Council's current Community Outcomes
Council's Community Outcomes as at July 2009:
South Waikato communities want the following outcomes. (Note: Statements marked with an asterisk * are draft only for further discussion and consultation).
- Prosperity for All (supporting economic wellbeing)
- Standing Tall Together (supporting culturual wellbeing)
- Vibrant Growing Communities (supporting cosial and cultural wellbeing)
- Towns We're Proud Of (supporting economic, social and environmental wellbeing)
- A Better Environment For Our Children (supporting environmental wellbeing)
1. Prosperity for all |
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| CO1.1 | Existing businesses and industries are retained and supported. |
| CO1.2 | New business start-ups are encouraged. |
| CO1.3 | Tourism is developed as a key industry and the potential of the Waikato River is realised. |
| CO1.4a | The economic potential of maori, both tangata whenua and tauiwi in the district is fulfilled. |
| CO1.4b | The economic potential of all groups in the wider community, including Pacific Island communities is fulfilled. |
| CO1.5 | South Waikato young people have a future in the district's workforce. |
| CO1.6 | South Waikato has quality infrastructure to support communities and businesses. |
| CO1.7* | South Waikato people have income and wealth to achieve their aspirations. |
2. Standing tall together |
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| CO2.1 | South Waikato has a positive image to anchor community pride and new investment. |
| CO2.2 | All cultures, including Maori and Pacific Island are recognised, understood and celebrated, based on their needs, contributions, roles and historic associations. |
| CO2.3 | South Waikato is renowned for its flourishing arts and culture. |
| CO2.4 | South Waikato 's history is protected and preserved. |
| CO2.5a | The standing of the tangata whenua is recognised in ways that are appropriate to their traditional and contemporary roles and historic associations within the District. |
| CO2.5b | Maori and Pacific Island people will be consulted in ways that are appropriate to them and which will encourage a strong and positive participation in the social and cultural life of the community. |
| CO2.6 | Young people are involved in organising events and participating in decisions that affect them. |
3. Vibrant, growing communities |
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| CO3.1 | South Waikato communities are supportive of each other and have strong community spirit. |
| CO3.2 | Air quality and health are improved through better insulated homes and clean burning. |
| CO3.3 | Young people are provided with constructive activities outside of school. |
| CO3.4 | People are connected with employment and activities they want to do. |
| CO3.5 | Transport services are safe and efficient. |
| CO3.6 | Health care and education are well resourced and accessible for all people. |
| CO3.7 | Facilities, services and community events are affordable and accessible. |
| CO3.8 | People are safe at home and in the community. |
| CO3.9 | Everyone has the opportunity and encouragement to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. |
| CO3.10* | People have skills and knowledge to reach their full potential |
| CO3.11* | People have access to healthy and affordable housing where they want to live. |
4. Towns we are proud of |
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| CO4.1 | South Waikato has attractive urban areas, open spaces and private properties that people take pride in. |
| CO4.2 | Urban design caters for the elderly and mobility impaired. |
| CO4.3 | The district's urban environments are kept clean and tidy and there is a widespread culture of respect for our communities and identity |
5. A better environment for our children |
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| CO5.1 | The quality of the district's natural environment is monitored, protected and maintained, and people are encouraged to respect and understand their environment. |
| CO5.2 | Maori stewardship of the district's environment is acknowledged and maori are actively involved in planning and managing natural resources. |
| CO5.3 | Young people are actively involved in caring for their environment. |
| CO5.4 | The district's waterways and sensitive areas are monitored and protected. |
| CO5.5 | Community waste is disposed of with minimal impact on the environment, and people are encouraged to recycle and reduce waste. |
| CO5.6 | Economic growth is in keeping with the special character and environment of the district. |
| CO5.7* | Energy conservation and energy efficiency are promoted and are part of how we all live. |
*Text for these statements was adapted from the Waikato Regional Community Outcome statemetns - refer to www.choosingfutures.co.nz