future westland - our community outcomes
Introduction
The term "community outcomes" is used to describe what people in our community want to happen now and in the future for the benefit of not only today's people, but future generations. Community outcomes are about improving the well-being of our communities over time in a sustainable manner. It is not only restricted to the services Council provides, but it is about all the things that make Westland a great District.
These outcomes are very important as they will help focus the work done by your Council plus other agencies and organisations in the region. This plan sets out Westland District Council's contribution in creating an environment where the district can achieve the stated mission of making "Westland a better place to live in for its residents and ratepayers".
The community outcomes identified by the people of Westland District will guide not only Council's planning, but planning across all sectors of the community.
Identifying the Community Outcomes
The community outcomes were formulated through a two step process. Firstly in June and July 2005, Council consulted widely with all ratepayers, interested stakeholders and the general community on suggested outcomes for Westland, which were based on the interim Community Outcomes listed in the Community Plan adopted by Council in June 2004. Secondly, Westland District Council, The West Coast Regional Council and Buller District Council worked together to formulate common outcomes which would help contribute to each Council having common desires and goals across the whole West Coast and Buller region. Six main community outcomes were identified and adopted by each Council for inclusion in their draft LTCCP. Westland District Council adopted these outcomes in November 2005, along with specific additional outcomes.
We believe that the outcomes identified through this process remain completely valid and thus we have carried these outcomes over into the current plan. They will be subject to a statutory review in 2011, in time for the 2012-2022 Long Term Community Plan.
Achieving the Community Outcomes
Although the Council has a key role to play, it is important to understand that we are not solely responsible for achieving the Community Outcomes. Our role is to work with the community, other organisations and groups to help us achieve these outcomes as a community. This may include establishing agreements with key agencies that have a lead role in assisting our community to further their outcomes.
Our role touches upon all of the Community Outcomes, but we will naturally have a greater involvement in some and a lesser involvement in others. We will also work towards achieving the Community Outcomes through the Westland District Plan.
Measuring and Reporting our Progress
We are responsible for monitoring the achievement of the Community Outcomes and to report the findings. These will be measured at intervals of no less than 3 years. Each of our community outcomes has specific indicators, so that over time, we can see how we are going and where more effort may be needed. The Council is working with the other West Coast Councils (Grey, Buller, and West Coast Regional) to produce a progress report on community outcomes for the region. The Councils have agreed on a set of indicators which are listed with each community outcome.
Contributing Organisations
Other organisations and groups also have a part to play towards achieving the Outcomes. Wherever possible, Council is looking to work in collaboration with our neighbouring Councils, as we are often dealing with the same organisations and Government Departments. A Triennial Agreement is in place between the Buller District Council, Grey District Council and the West Coast Regional Council in accordance with the requirements of the Act. The Agreement ensures appropriate levels of consultation and co-ordination are maintained between the Local Authorities in the region.
Our list of contributing organisations and agencies is constantly growing and evolving. If your organisation has a role to play in contributing to the Community Outcomes, and is missing from the following list, then please contact the Council and let us know.
New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)
Subsidises improvements to roading, and operates the State Highway network in a way that contributes to an integrated, safe and sustainable land transport system.
Council's relationship with the NZTA is very important. Council has membership on the Road Safety Committee and the Regional Land Transport Committee which is advantageous to our District in terms of working together on safety programmes. Council regularly meets with them to discuss state highway issues and seek solutions.
Federated Farmers of New Zealand
Acts as a locally based, democratic organisation, which gives farmers a collective voice nationally and within each district.
Both Council and Federated Farmers provide each other information that has a potential or actual impact on each other and the people within our district. Through this relationship, Council has taken in board many of Federated Farmers suggestions that have impacted on policy and planning decisions.
Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC)
Encourages New Zealanders to get moving, supports elite athletes and gets out into local communities. Council financially supports the Canterbury/West Coast Sports Trust and houses a full time staff member from the Trust for implementing sport programmes.
Creative New Zealand
Encourages, promotes and supports the arts in New Zealand.
Council acts as an agent and disburses grants on behalf of the 'Creative Communities New Zealand Fund', to encourage and assist our local community to participate in arts and cultural projects.
Housing New Zealand Corporation
Provides access to homes.
Council regularly meets with representatives from Housing New Zealand to keep in touch with the needs of our community. Housing New Zealand has been an active participant in the Kumara focus group.
Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
Provides social policy advice to Government, social services to people, including employment and training opportunities and income support.
Council has a strong relationship with the Ministry of Social Development and this has impacted on a number of areas. Through working together, the Safer Community Council and its projects have been made possible by funding from the Ministry of Social Development. Council has also initiated a focus group to assist with social development in Kumara. MSD is an active participant in that group, along with other agencies.
Youth Transition Service
The service is envisioned as locally based, linked with sister services in Grey and Buller Districts. It would be funded by the Ministry of Social Development. The Youth Transition Service aspires for every young person to be in employment, education or training.
Council supports the establishment of a Youth Transition Service for the district. This service would support young people with the transition from school into employment, education, training or other activities within the community. Council would take a role in the governance of the service.
New Zealand Police
Reduces crime and enhances safety.
Council invites the local police to meet with them regularly to understand the issues in our communities and explore ways to address them. New Zealand Police are represented on Councils' Safer Community Council.
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
Prevents injuries, provides treatment and rehabilitation.
An Accident Compensation Corporation representation is on our local Road Safety Committee which influences decisions to do with road safety.
New Zealand Fire Service
Reduces incidences and consequences of fire and responds to other emergencies.
Council administers the controls over the lighting of fires which includes putting up signs when fire risk is high and the issuing of fire permits. Council and our local rural fire teams work together to ensure the fire crews have suitable equipment at all times.
St John
Relieves sickness and injury and acts to enhance the health and wellbeing of people.
Council has civil defence responsibilities and it is in this capacity that Council's relationship with St John is most evident. St John is present at Council's large scale civil defence training, practice events, at actual civil defence events and is aligned to our civil defence sector posts. Council's Civil Defence Officer keeps in close contact with our local St Johns branch.
West Coast District Health Board
Promotes, enhances and facilitates the health and well-being of people.
Council meets regularly with the West Coast District Health Board representatives regarding health issues in our area with the intention of ensuring our community has suitable health services.
Ministry of Health
Ensures the health and disability system works for all people.
Council's relationship with the Ministry of Health is mainly as an advocate and making submissions to the Ministry's proposals.
Sport West Coast (SWC)
Works with clubs and sports organisations to help develop them to become more capable and effective; ultimately enhancing participation, by offering a range of programmes courses and funding opportunities for athletes, coaches, administrator and officials.
Council assists Sports West Coast by providing premises, administration support and funding.
Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae - Te Runanga o Makaawhio - Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and Tangata Tiaki Kaitiaki within the Takiwa of Te Tai Poutini
Provides corporate services and facilitates policy development for Te Rünanga O Ngäi Tahu and other divisions within its organisation.
Council has an ongoing relationship with the runanga particularly with regard to the Resource Management Act and the Westland District Plan in respect to land, water and issues in our areas.
Westland is committed to our responsibilities under the Treaty of Waitangi.
Department of Conservation (DOC)
Conserves New Zealand's natural and historic heritage.
Council and DOC are integrated partners regarding protecting assets for our future, and work together to ensure strategies are consistent with both parties' objectives such as ensuring appropriate public access.
Development West Coast (DWC)
Encourages and drives economic development for the West Coast.
Council and Development West Coast work together to identify and fund projects that benefit the community as a whole.
Tourism West Coast (TWC)
Encourages and drives Tourism for Westland.
Council works with Tourism West Coast to promote the uniqueness of the West Coast environment and assist in marketing coast-wide businesses.
Ministry of Economic Development
Leads the production and co-ordination of policy advice related to economic, regional and industry development.
Council's relationship with the Ministry of Economic Development is through our tourism activity and Tourism West Coast. The Ministry of Tourism is a branch of the Ministry of Economic Development which supports the Regional Tourism Organisations, Tourism West Coast. The Ministry supplies funding for major regional initiatives that support regional economic development.
Ministry of Culture and Heritage
Provides advice to the Government on culture and heritage matters.
Council works with the Ministry of Culture and Heritage to protect cultural and heritage items and promote appreciation of those organisations and individuals involved.
Ministry of Education
Provides schools and educational opportunities to children and adults.
Council's relationship with the Ministry of Education is mainly through our direct contact with our local schools.
Ministry for the Environment (MFE)
Advises the Government on the environment and international matters that affect the environment.
Council works with MFE to develop best practice guides for statutory processes. Council makes submissions to MFE on proposals impacting on the Westland District.
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Advances agriculture, horticulture and forestry.
Council's involvement with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry focuses mainly on submitting to plans and policy proposals that impact on the Westland District.
New Zealand Historic Places Trust
Works toward the recognition, protection and promotion of New Zealand's historic and cultural heritage.
Council has a long standing relationship with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, who provide important information about classifying heritage buildings and items of heritage value. Through working collaboratively, Council classifies historic buildings and items according to the Trust's guidelines.