Collective Ownership For Tomorrow's Manukau

3 August 2004

Collective Ownership For Tomorrow's Manukau - Manukau Apopo

The Tomorrow's Manukau Strategic Steering Group was launched in Manukau City last week as the next phase in the city wide strategy.

The steering group, made up of health, education, housing and a wide range of other community services, will be vital players in achieving Tomorrow's Manukau - Manukau Apopo the ten-year vision and strategy for the city, launched by Manukau City in 2001.

"Owning Tomorrow's Manukau collectively amongst staff in public, private and community partners and giving support to staff for the role in achieving the strategy's vision will be a critical success factor", says Sir Barry.

Sir Barry stressed the importance of advocating the strategy inside the partner organisations. "Your staff will be able to see clearly how the work they do everyday contributes to a better future for Manukau.

"It is also vital that we show the public and central government that the strategy is owned by a very wide range of organisations.

"Central government uses the term 'whole of government' to describe how many agencies need to work as a single, integrated organisation, rather than as independent service providers and I applaud that approach. It recognises the need for shared goals and information, and good coordination. When local government is added to the equation, 'whole of government' becomes an even more powerful concept", Sir Barry said.

The Strategic Steering Group, will meet quarterly, and enable a good overview of the Strategy's seven outcome areas and their associated iniatives to be developed.

Co-ordinated after extensive public input, Tomorrow's Manukau - Manukau Apopo was a historic "first" for New Zealand. The detailed strategy is a guide for the long-term development of a major city and set firm targets to strongly improve the quality of life in the city.

A considerable amount of work has since been done by Manukau City Council on key issues within Tomorrow's Manukau. For example, strategies and reports have been prepared including:

" the Collaborative Action Plan on Child Poverty " the Community Safety Framework " the Crime Prevention Action Plan, and " the Smart Manukau iniative designed to transform Manukau into a 'knowledge city'

More information on Tomorrow's Manukau - Manukau Apopo can be found at www.manukau.govt.nz/tomorrows-manukau.htm

ENDS