October 19 2001
Media Statement

Community Renewal Programme Launched

Housing Minister Mark Gosche today launched the government's Community Renewal programme in the Christchurch suburb of Aranui.

Aranui is the first of a series of similar community renewal projects aimed at revitalising communities through a partnership between community members, local councils and Housing New Zealand.

Two other Community Renewal projects are in their early stages of development at Clendon in Manukau City and at Fordlands in Rotorua, Mr Gosche said.

Housing New Zealand houses account for about one third of the houses in the three areas. There are 454 HNZ houses in Aranui, 501 in Clendon and 159 in Fordlands.

Mr Gosche said approximately $6.45 million has been allocated for community renewal this year.

“Community renewal is more than just about housing, although Housing New Zealand Corporation is the lead Government agency. The programme also seeks to address community issues around employment, crime, health, education and social service delivery.

“Community renewal is about partnership. This partnership will include local communities, councils and other Government agencies working together to build projects that will be of lasting benefit to people living in renewal communities.

“Involving the people who live and work in the communites concerned is essential if community renewal is to work. Communities must have ownership of the renewal process if problems are to be successfully tackled."

Mr Gosche said the Aranui experience would give some good pointers for dealing with other future projects.

"But community renewal is not a “one size fits all” approach. Different communities have different needs, priorities and ambitions.”

Housing New Zealand Corporation had appointed project managers to each of the newer projects, Clendon in Manukau City and at Fordlands in Rotorua, Mr Gosche said.

"We expect these will evolve in a manner similar to Aranui, starting with community consultation. You can expect to hear more about these projects in the months ahead as partnership arrangements are finalised."

“Where Community Renewal works, based on overseas experience, we will see more self-sustaining communities where people’s needs are met and where they feel happy and safe."

ENDS

Hon Mark Gosche
19 October 2001 Speech Notes

Community Renewal programme launch

Kia ora, talofa lava and greetings to you all. In particular I acknowledge my colleague Lianne Dalziel and Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore.

Greetings also to kaumatua Sandy Kaa, newly elected councillor Chrissie Williams, former chair of the Burwood/Pegasus Community Board, Rob Davidson, chair of the Aranui Community Renewal Committee and all the people of Aranui here today who have helped bring us to this point. I would also acknowledge Councillor Carole Anderton, who has been a driving force behind this project but unfortunately could not be with us today.

It is a pleasure to be here this morning to launch the community renewal programme. This is an important event. It involves the whole of Government working alongside communities and local authorities to make a significant difference to peoples' lives.

Aranui is the first of what will be several Community Renewal projects. Much work has been done here to create a community-focused and driven partnership between residents, the Christchurch City Council and Housing New Zealand.

Two other Community Renewal projects are in their early stages of development – one at Clendon in Manukau City and one at Fordlands in Rotorua. These projects are likely to evolve in a manner similar to Aranui, starting with community consultation. Already Housing New Zealand has appointed project managers for both projects. You can expect to hear more about both projects in the months ahead as partnership arrangements are finalised.

Community Renewal is more than just about housing, although Housing New Zealand Corporation is the lead Government agency. Community Renewal seeks to also address community issues around employment, crime, health, education and social service delivery.

Community Renewal is about partnership.

This partnership includes local communities, councils and other Government agencies together building projects that will be of lasting benefit to people living in renewal communities. Together we are working to promote safe, healthy and confident communities.

Involving the people who live and work in the community is essential if community renewal is to work. Communities must have ownership of the renewal process if problems are to be successfully tackled.

The aim of the Aranui project is “ to enhance Aranui as a good place to live.”

The community housing and information centre opened by my colleague Lianne Dalziel recently will help make that aim a reality, as will the fine work of the Aranui Community Renewal Committee.

The Aranui experience will give us some good pointers for dealing with other future projects. But Community Renewal is not a “one size fits all” approach. Different communities have different needs, priorities and ambitions.

By working through issues with communities, and providing the necessary solutions, we hope over time to see communities with more work opportunities, improved health, better educational achievement, less crime and less reliance on social services.

Where Community Renewal works, based on overseas experience, we will see more self-sustaining communities where people’s needs are met and where they feel happy and safe.

The government is committed to community renewal. This year alone we are allocating $6.45 million in government funding to community renewal.

This funding is part of this Government's commitment to reducing inequity and to building a better, fairer society. Community Renewal in the way it is happening here in Aranui is a vital part of creating such a society.

ends

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