Entry received from: Waipā District Council
Category: The Department of Internal Affairs Award for Excellence in Community Engagement
Waipā District Council partnered with Mana Whenua/ Iwi and worked with stakeholders and the community to create a district-wide spatial plan.
Ahu Ake, Waipā Community Spatial Plan, is a blueprint for the next 30+ years. It sets out the foundational strategy for future planning, opportunities for growth and investment, and support for project and initiative prioritisation.
The development of Ahu Ake was underpinned by an extensive, interactive, and innovative engagement programme. With 15 community events in 11 towns and villages, presentations, and workshops, as well as interactive digital platforms and ArcGIS Storymaps, people and places are at its heart.
In responding to the initial engagement feedback, we invited community members to participate in a world cafe to develop solutions for complex matters about Waipā’s future. We worked with the University of Waikato to implement an impartial selection process. The feedback was invaluable. The World café tool has great potential for participatory budgeting in future long-term planning processes.
Ahu Ake’s implementation will include continued collaboration with Central Government, community organisations and businesses.
Ahu Ake shows how Waipā’s vision of ‘Building connected communities’ can deliver positive environmental, cultural, social, and economic wellbeing outcomes.
Thank you to our category sponsor