4 February 2005

Tomorrow's Manukau- Manukau Apopo Consultation bearing fruit already

As the community consultation for Tomorrow's Manukau - Manukau Apopo moves into its second week a number of benefits have been identified already.

At the initial meeting with Manukau business stakeholders their wish to do more within the community was aired as was their desire to build closer relationships with schools particularly to identify career building and skill development opportunities for students.

In the eastern suburbs there was recognition of the excellent facilities provided by Council and other delivery agencies but they said there was a need for greater thought to linking these facilities to aid access in one trip.

Public transport and the Eastern Corridor have become familiar themes already; however, they are seen as issues to be dealt with together not exclusively. Residents and business alike see increasing the ease of travelling around the city as paramount to the city's development.

"The level of contribution at these initial meetings is extremely gratifying", said Stella Ford, Council's manager of Strategic Policy and Advocacy. "People are bringing their ideas and wishes as to how they wish their city to develop and it is obvious they have put a great deal of thought into how they be can achieved".

"Despite the variety of groups, aspirations and representative backgrounds many contributors have been surprised at how more often than not they all share a common view.

"This consultation process is enabling conversations across boundaries not normally broached" said Ms Ford. "Tomorrow's Manukau - Manukau Apopo is bringing people from all walks of life together and giving resident's an opportunity to make connections they would not normally make.

"Tomorrow's Manukau - Manukau Apopo is a city strategy and as such all interested parties are being given the opportunity to contribute and guide the plans and actions of all agencies in the city not just Council".

All interested parties can find out where meetings are being held by calling 262 5104 or looking on www.tomorrowsmanukau.co.nz. For those who cannot make the meetings survey forms are available in all libraries and on the internet site.

ENDS

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