Entry received from: Gisborne District Council
Category: The Department of Internal Affairs Award for Excellence in Community Engagement
As part of Te Kaunihera o te Tairāwhiti Gisborne District Council’s long-term plan, each year Council works in partnership with our communities in Manutuke, Muriwai, Matawai, Motu, Patutahi, Rangitukia, Tikitiki, Ruatoria, Te Araroa, Te Karaka, Te Puia Springs, Waipiro Bay, Tokomaru Bay, Uawa, Wharekāhika /Hicks Bay/Potaka, to develop Township Plans that deliver positive social, cultural, environmental, and economic wellbeing outcomes and benefits.
Township Plans are in essence a community-led project with joint actions to be delivered by Council and each community. The plans outline each community’s key aspirations with short, medium, and long-term projects that inform our Township upgrade programme and deliver outcomes that our township communities identify as important to their local area and identity.
The purpose of Township Plans and delivering the upgrades is to enhance the places our small communities value and to support the interests, identity, and prosperity of the people. Council recognises that the community's connection to their environment plays a critical role in overall health and wellbeing. Practicing whakawhanaungatanga, which involves establishing and nurturing relationships, connections, and interactions within the community, is crucial for the programme’s success and will continue to positively shape the trajectory of Te Tairāwhiti for generations to come.
Thank you to our category sponsor