Budget 2011/12

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Section 2: Community Outcomes

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Community well-beings and strategic direction

New Plymouth District Council delivers its services to ensure the cultural, economic, environmental and social wellbeings of the community are met. The district has identified its Community Outcomes and the Council has devised its strategies to meet these outcomes on behalf of the community. The strategic intent for the district is set out at the front of this plan. The diagram below shows how these components link together.

Connecting plans and strategies

The Community Plan and Community Outcomes relate to other key Council plans, documents, policies and processes and are mainly driven by legislation and the powers and obligations that legislation gives to local authorities. The Community Outcomes guide both long-term planning and day-to-day decision-making for the Council. Surrounding all of this is community consultation, as anything the Council does needs to be in step with, and reflect the preferences of, the community.

Community Outcomes are at the heart of the Community Plan

The Community Outcomes are intended to reflect what is important to the community in terms of cultural, economic, environmental and social issues.

How we identified our Community Outcomes

The process of identifying the outcomes was carried out in 2004 by the New Plymouth, South Taranaki, Stratford district councils and the Taranaki Regional Council and involved a range of consultation methods to obtain the views of the community. During this process we considered with you whether the outcomes are still relevant and the community reconfirmed they were. These outcomes will be reassessed in 2011/12, together with a review on progress towards achieving our outcomes.

The Community Outcomes are important because they are about the things the community say are important for its well-being and are the community’s vision for the future. They influence how the Council organises its resources and activities and ensures that what the community wants is reflected as much as possible in what we plan. Our dialogue with you has told us what the most important outcomes for New Plymouth District and the type of community you want to live in should be.

These Community Outcomes are:

• Connected (relates to our infrastructure).
• Prosperous (our economy).
• Secure and Healthy (our community well-being).
• Skilled (our learning and education opportunities).
• Sustainable (our environment).
• Together (our community cohesion).
• Vibrant (our culture, leisure and recreation opportunities).

New Plymouth District Council and its partners will deliver services and opportunities, and strive on your behalf to deliver and address the issues which are important for this district and its communities to grow and flourish.

What are our Community Outcomes?

What follows are the seven Community Outcomes identified by the community. They are each supported by a broad vision which states what the Community Outcomes mean in broad terms, and each in turn are supported by a number of statements which articulate in greater detail what the outcomes mean in practical terms.

Connected

A district that delivers accessible and integrated infrastructure, transport and  communication systems which meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.

C1- Effective, efficient, safe and reliable infrastructure is provided and maintained.
C2- High-quality communication systems, information technologies and distribution networks.
C3- The land transport system is safe and responsive.
C4- The strategic value of the region’s state highways is recognised and provided for and local roading networks are maintained and enhanced where appropriate.
C5- The capabilities of Port Taranaki and the region’s airport and rail network to service the needs of the region are maintained and, where appropriate, enhanced.
C6- The public transport system is reliable, safe and accessible to all who need it.

Prosperous

A district that boasts a sustainable, resilient and innovative economy that prospers within the natural and social environment.

P1- Taranaki is an attractive place to work, do business and to visit.
P2- The region is a birthplace of innovation and ideas, where technological developments and opportunities for added value are capitalised on.
P3- Taranaki’s strengths are recognised and diversification of agriculture, business and industry is valued and encouraged.
P4- There is a high level of employment and adequate incomes for all.
P5- Development and population growth in the region is encouraged but managed in a manner that does not compromise the natural or social environment.
P6- People are confident and are happy to invest in the future.
P7- The place of Maori in the local economy is supported.

Secure and Healthy

A district that provides a safe, healthy and friendly place to live, work or visit.

S&H1- There is equality of access to a comprehensive range of high-quality health and disability services when required.
S&H2- The environmental, physical and mental health of the people of Taranaki is maintained, enhanced, promoted and protected.
S&H3- A well-being model for health is promoted in the region, where people are encouraged to take ownership of their health to promote good health outcomes.
S&H4- There is adequate and affordable housing for all.
S&H5- Residents and visitors of all ages feel safe and crime is reduced.
S&H6- A sustainable management approach is taken to hazards and risks across the areas of reduction,readiness, response and recovery.
S&H7- Taranaki is a friendly and welcoming place.
S&H8- Monitor and respond to local health statistics.

Skilled

A district that values and supports learning so all people can play a full and active role in social, cultural and economic life.

SK1- Learning and the creation of knowledge is valued.
SK2- High-quality education and training opportunities exist with strong links between businesses, schools and training institutions. There is excellent pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary education with superb teachers and literary programmes.
SK3- A wide range of innovative education, training and cultural opportunities are accessible to people of all ages.
SK4- A supportive and responsive learning environment exists where people are encouraged to participate.
SK5- The workforce has the skills to meet the needs of the region’s employers.
SK6- Monitor and respond to Maori achievements in education

Sustainable

A district that appreciates its natural environment and its physical and human resources in planning, delivery and protection.

SU1- There is sustainable use, development and protection of resources.
SU2- Taranaki’s land and soil, water, air and coast, its biodiversity and its natural features and landscapes are understood, valued, maintained and enhanced for future generations.
SU3- Animal and plant pest and biosecurity risks in the region are appropriately managed.
SU4- Taranaki’s heritage is identified, recognised and protected.
SU5- Built environments and amenities are of a high standard and contribute significantly to the well-being of people and communities.
SU6- People are valued and their contribution to the economic, cultural, environmental and social wellbeing of the region is recognised and supported.
SU7- Sustainable development is encouraged.
SU8- Kaitiakitanga (the protection and management of the environment) is understood and valued.

Together

A district that is caring, inclusive and works together and where people have a strong,
distinctive sense of identity.

T1- All people feel valued and supported within a caring community and have a sense of equality and belonging.
T2- A cohesive, united community exists based on strong relationships between people from different cultures, communities and organisations. Multiethnic diversity is celebrated and different cultural values are respected.
T3- The place of Mãori is recognised and respected. Relationships that are mutually beneficial are built between Mãori and the wider community.
T4- People from all sectors of the community are able and encouraged to contribute to their communities, and opportunities to participate are enhanced.
T5- Cooperation, collaboration and coordination between agencies, organisations and Councils occur to avoid duplication of resources, minimise red tape and promote a consistent focus.
T6- Taranaki people have a strong sense of place. The special significance of Mount Taranaki to the people of Taranaki and its role in Taranaki’s identity is recognised and provided for.
T7- There is a sense of community where local distinctiveness and diversity are valued and allowed to thrive.
T8- The Taranaki “brand” is recognised nationally and internationally.
T9- The Treaty of Waitangi is recognised and respected.

Vibrant

A district that provides high-quality and diverse cultural and recreational experiences and where independence and creativity are encouraged.

V1- People have access to, and are encouraged to participate in, a wide range of high-quality
recreational, leisure, art and cultural activities.
V2- The region has high-quality public amenities and facilities.
V3- Individual responsibility, independence and creativity are encouraged.
V4- All people have access to local services and facilities.
V5- There is safe, convenient and affordable access to the natural environment and public access to the region’s coastal marine area, lakes and rivers is maintained and where practical enhanced.
V6- Support and celebrate all cultures.

Commitment to working collaboratively

The pursuit of cooperative working is encouraged in the Local Government Act 2002. The Council undertakes and encourages partnership working and collaboration for the following reasons:

• Many external organisations have the resources, skills and capability to deliver on aspects of the Community Outcomes.
• The achievement of Community Outcomes depends on the ability of organisations to cooperate and collaborate together.
• Community Outcomes are not single issue matters. An effect in one area can impact upon another, therefore an integrated approach to the issue is usually required.
• Collaboration provides opportunities for coordinated strategic planning and the sharing of resources and skills.
• Collaboration can yield greater gains for the community than if the Council or any organisation works alone.
• Opportunities to influence, lobby and engage politically are increased with collaboration.
• Monitoring the achievement of Community Outcomes can only be achieved by sharing data and relevant performance information.

The role of the Council

Apart from being a direct provider of a number of key services, the Council has other roles within the context of delivering the Community Outcomes.
They include:

• Service provider: Providing a range of services, as outlined in the Council activity section of this plan.
• Regulator: Enforcing legislation and bylaws to promote well-being and develop educational programmes.
• Funder: Funding activities in the most efficient manner through trusts, joint venture agreements or Council controlled organisations or direct financial support to community organisations.
• Leadership: Providing civic and community leadership and acting in the best interests of the community.
• Facilitator: Taking responsibility to lead and facilitate satisfactory outcomes for the community through dialogue.
• Advocacy: Representing the community within the democratic mandate, at regional and national levels.
• Educator: Providing information and guidance on a range of issues to encourage compliance with legislation and promote well-being.
• Coordinator: Acting in a coordinating capacity and liaising between parties in the best interests of the district.

Commitment to working with other councils

As part of the requirement set out in the Local Government Act 2002, councils can enter into a process that allows for the identification of Community Outcomes for the intermediate and long-term future of the district. This process allows communities and organisations to discuss and prioritise their desired outcomes in terms of the present and future social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing of the community.

Commitment to working with individuals and organisations

In addition to providing a collaborative framework to secure the furtherance of the Community Outcomes, the four territorial local authorities also, not less than once every three years, reports on its progress towards those Community Outcomes.

Examples of joint working

The Council is engaged in a variety of projects and programmes with a broad range of partners and stakeholders. The table below highlights some of the major stakeholders and gives examples of some of the current and proposed projects and programmes where the Council is participating in collaborative working.

Organisation	Examples of Projects and Programmes
Accident Compensation Corporation	Alcohol Strategy Community Safety Strategy Healthy Homes New Plymouth InjurySafe Positive Ageing Strategy
Bishop’s Action Foundation Group	Cultural forum facilitation Delivery of training for community sector Information and Communications Technology Gateway Marfell Community Development Project Positive Ageing Strategy
Department of Conservation	Heritage Strategy Significant Natural Areas
Disability Resources Centre	Disability Strategy Positive Ageing Strategy
Education Taranaki	Economic Development Strategy Skills Strategy Ultra Fast Broadband and Rural Broadband initiatives
Housing New Zealand Corporation	Marfell Housing Development Healthy Homes
Ministry of Social Development	Alcohol Strategy Disability Strategy Healthy Homes Marfell Community Development Project Positive Ageing Strategy Waitara Community Development Project
New Plymouth InjurySafe	Injury Prevention Programme Road Safe Taranaki WHO Safe Communities
New Zealand Fire Service	Healthy Homes Liqour Licensing
New Zealand Police	Alcohol Strategy Bylaws Closed Circuit Television Community patrols Community Safety Strategy Ferndene racing track Licensing and Enforcement New Plymouth InjurySafe Police Liaison Working Party WHO Safe Communities
Primary Health Organisation (Peak Health Taranaki, Tui Ora and Hauora)	Healthy Eating Healthy Action (HEHA) Healthy Homes
Positive Ageing Trust	Positive Ageing Policy Positive Ageing Strategy
Sport Taranaki	Healthy Eating Healthy Action (HEHA) Regional Recreation and Physical Activity Strategy Sport Codes Support and Advice
Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (TAFT)	Major Events Management of Event Venues World of Music and Dance (WOMAD)
Taranaki District Health Board	Alcohol Strategy Disability Strategy Healthy Eating Healthy Action (HEHA) Healthy Homes Liquor licensing New Plymouth InjurySafe Smokefree coalition
Te Puni Kokiri	Marae Development Plan
New Zealand Transport Agency	Let's Go Roading Strategy Road Safe Taranaki
Venture Taranaki Trust	Broadband Strategy Economic Development Strategy Major Events Skills Strategy Tourism Strategy
Volunteering New Plymouth	Volunteer Participation
Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki	Broadband Strategy Skills Strategy

Moving partnerships forward

The previous examples show the range of projects and programmes the Council is working collaboratively on with others. As we move towards the 2012-2022 Long-Term Plan, the Council will continue to explore the opportunities for more project and programme collaboration into the future.

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