Waipa District

Community outcomes

Vibrant and Creative Waipa

We are proud to be part of Waipa District. We enjoy participating in artistic and cultural activities as well as working together in planning for the future of our District.
For Waipa this means that:

We are proud of our District’s unique identity and its rich and diverse archaeological, natural and cultural heritage
We have a vibrant Māori community and our Māori heritage is embraced and celebrated District-wide, and showcased as an integral part of the visual amenity of our towns.
The special character and heritage of our towns and villages is retained and promoted
We identify with and take part in our communities, and enjoy participating in creative, recreational and cultural activities that build vibrant community spirit, both locally and at District level
Individual and group achievement is recognised and celebrated District wide
We all have meaningful opportunities to participate in making decisions that help shape the Waipa of the future
Our communities recognise that Waipa District is enriched by our multi cultural make-up, and the unique status and role of tangata whenua is respected and reflected in community processes

Economically Secure Waipa

Our District is economically secure and provides opportunities for employment and growth.
For Waipa this means that:

Provision of industrial and residential areas is well balanced, carefully zoned to maintain our rural/semi-rural nature and planned well into the future
Our towns are economically independent of Hamilton, and each town maintains its own vibrant and unique character while maintaining strong links to the District as a whole
A diversity of employment options and business opportunities is provided within the District
Our District is a tourist destination of choice and our tourism industry promotes our special local features and supports economic growth
We have reliable, efficient and well planned water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure that supports development and growth while continuing to meet the needs of residents.
Our strong dairy and equine industries help support our prosperous communities, and planning and practices are encouraged that protect and sustain our productive resources
Public buildings and public transport options are safe, accessible to people of all ages and abilities, and signage is clear and visible
We have reliable, efficient and well planned transport infrastructure systems that provide easy access to and through our towns
The growth, wealth and uniqueness of the local Māori economy is acknowledged and supported
The ‘buy local’ philosophy is encouraged and locally sourced products and services are supported

Environmentally Sustainable Waipa

We value and protect our unique landscapes and healthy natural environment while managing growth.
For Waipa this means that:

Our special natural landscapes and native biodiversity, such as peat lakes, riparian areas, indigenous forest areas, are protected, maintained and enhanced, ecological corridors are developed, and animal and plant pests are controlled
We are aware of the links between the health of our environment and our own health. Local organisations and individuals are regularly involved in environmental care activities
We use land management practices that protect and sustain our soil and land, and our District’s high quality soils are protected from increasing ‘development’ demands by concentrating growth around existing settlements rather than intruding on rural areas
Water quality in our rivers and lakes is maintained and improved and water is used efficiently
We acknowledge the need to pursue a ‘zero waste’ philosophy, including reducing our waste and using resources more efficiently
Our clean, green environment is preserved, promoted and utilised for recreation and leisure, and contributes to enhancing our image as a tourist destination
Heritage sites and landscapes of significance to Māori are preserved and valued, and where appropriate are identified and celebrated visually,
Maungatautari, Kakepuku, Pirongia and other maunga in the District are protected and promoted as key features of the Waipa landscape and for recreational purposes
We reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy

Healthy and Active Waipa

We have healthy, active lifestyles with access to a range of health, educational and recreational facilities and services. Housing is affordable, and we feel safe in our communities.
For Waipa this means that:

A good range of fun recreational spaces, playgrounds, facilities and family friendly areas are available, well planned, affordable, accessible and youth focused
Good quality housing is available and affordable
Quality educational opportunities at all levels are locally accessible and planned for future growth
Community services are coordinated, and delivered effectively and efficiently to maximise resources while meeting the needs of our residents
Everyone has access to affordable quality health and childcare services
Māori enjoy the same quality of health, education, housing, employment and economic outcomes as non-Māori
Families and caregivers are protected and valued, and our communities accept responsibility for our children and other vulnerable members
Inequity in income and access to services and employment is reduced and resources are shared appropriately
The importance of te reo is recognised and promoted through promotion and support of appropriate educational facilities
Iwi, hapu and Māori work together with central government, local government and community organisations in mutually beneficial partnerships
Our communities and agencies work together so that we are safe, we feel safe, crime is reduced, and there is a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour

Source: Waipa District Council 10-year Plan 2009 - 2019 Section 3 Community Vision (pdf 841kb)

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