4. Putting it together: the project groups and their outcomes

In a general sense, the services and activities undertaken by Council, government agencies and other organisations to address community needs are already benefiting from increased collaboration between key parties.

A number of the priorities raised through the community outcomes process were identified as opportunities to work collaboratively, and project groups formed around three of these – Destination Pouto, Access to Services, and Kaipara Youth Connections.

Project groups

Destination Pouto

The Pouto peninsula (south of Dargaville, bordering the Northern Wairoa River as it enters the Kaipara Harbour) is becoming a popular destination, with an increasing number of visitors arriving during summertime. However, there was a lack of facilities to support this influx.

The overall aim of this initiative was to ensure that tourism in the area was managed in a way that provided the maximum benefit for the community while safeguarding the environment. As such, the project contributed to three of the four community outcomes: ‘sustainable economy’, ‘strong communities’, ‘special character and healthy environment’.

While this project initially preceded K-COP, Kaipara District Council and the Department of Conservation took a lead in developing the project with involvement from other project partners - the Kaipara Development Agency, Te Uri o Hau, Community Employment Group and the Pouto community.

The project objectives were to establish toilet facilities, erect appropriate signage, develop the wharf and ensure environmental management of sand dunes and other site access.

With the achievement of all the project objectives the Destination Pouto working group was disestablished. The Council and the Department of Conservation have continued to work together on progressing environmental outcomes in the area.

Access to Services

Due to the relatively small, generally rural population of the Kaipara, ensuring that services reach those who require them can be a challenge.

This project aimed to contribute to the community outcomes of ‘strong communities’ and ‘safety and a good quality of life’ by ensuring that:

• the services currently available to Kaipara residents could continue to be made accessible in an efficient and cost effective way
• up-to-date information from service providers was readily accessible to front-line staff in community organisations and government agencies, as well as the wider community.

The project was built on the foundations of the already established Heartlands Services Centre and was initially led by Work and Income. Other project partners included the Accident Compensation Commission, Northland Disability Resource Centre, Northland Health/Kaipara Care Incorporated, Te Ha O Te Oranga, Department of Internal Affairs, Family and Community Services, Te Uri o Hau and Kaipara District Council.

Activities included a road-show to small Kaipara communities, an inter-agency staff training forum, and a successful Kaipara - our future – together Expo held in Dargaville.

Following these initiatives, and led by Family and Community Services and Te Uri o Hau, the project group took on the role of Steering Group for the Local Services Mapping exercise, the report for which is almost complete.

While the working group has not met since completing the Local Services Mapping work, there is interest in the group organising another Expo.

Kaipara Youth Connections

The community outcomes process identified gaps in services and opportunities available to youth in the district. The objective of Kaipara Youth Connections was to gain a greater understanding of the opportunities and needs for young people after they leave high school.

he work contributed to the community outcomes of ‘strong communities’ and ‘safety and a good quality of life.’

This project group was led by the Ministry of Social Development and partners included Work and Income, Tertiary Education Commission, Career Services, Te Uri o Hau and the New Zealand Police.

The group has a role in bringing youth worker positions to Kaipara, including one at the local high school. The group also contributes to other inter-departmental youth initiatives including a regional 'Engaging Tai Tamariki in Learning’ strategy, which focuses on educating young Maori.

The project group continues to meet formally and informally about a number of specific agency initiatives, though these are not necessarily all Kaipara–based.