27 January 2005

Tomorrow's Manukau Consultation begins in February

One of the most important consultation exercises Manukau will host is just about to begin.

Tomorrow's Manukau, the ten year strategy adopted by the city in 2001, provides a unique framework within which the Council, government agencies and community organizations work together to achieve the community's vision.

The current strategy is operating on goals, targets and actions set three years ago a number of which have been achieved or are not relevant any longer. It is essential that the strategy is updated regularly so it remains relevant and in tune with the expectations and demands of those who have chosen to live and work within Manukau.

While Manukau City Council is the co-ordinating body for the strategy its success and sustainability is very much reliant on the support and collaboration of over 60 government and community agencies. The combination of the issues and expectations of the city make the growth and development of the city a unique proposition one that many nationally focused policies are not equipped to manage or provide for.

The consultation process provides all Manukau residents with an opportunity to have a very important input into the way the city continues to develop and grow.

As the strategy has matured it has become possible to manage initiatives closer to individual communities. Manukau is a diverse city with each community having unique expectations and issues. As the strategy has shown national policies can be adapted to a city level it is envisaged that city policies can be adapted to an individual community level.

The consultation, it is hoped, will lead to an updated plan with priorities, goals and actions focused on wards and other communities of interest in Manukau.

Community consultation will begin from the first of February with focus group meetings running throughout the city. People who wish to take part can do so by ringing 262 5104 to register their interest or by going to www.tomorrowsmanukau.co.nz . A survey is available on the website for those who are not able to attend a meeting.

ENDS

© Scoop Media