Giving Communities a Say!
Village Planning Programme The Village planning programme developed by Porirua received a national award last year and interest from other local councils such as North Shore; as a successful model of community consultation and development. What Porirua Council found that by using a budget equating to1.5% rates take; this seeding was dramatically built on as other private sponsors and voluntary help created significant effects on local communities; which other than material effects, were happier and more engaged with their council. This approach is nothing new; being successfully used in countries like England, Canada, Australia; Europe, Sweden and the USA.
Democracy and consultation are problems that are commonly identified by Wellingtonians when dealing with Wellington City Council on issues ranging from planning consents, Manners Mall, the Indoor Sports Stadium to the Wellington Waterfront. I believe that a concept based on the principles of “Village planning” would address concerns by local groups such as Thorndon Residents Association who have felt that Wellington City Council has tried to dictate an outcome about heritage rather than involve the community in deciding the outcomes and effects of such a policy.
This policy would additionally address the concerns about community consultation that have come out of the Auckland Super city exercise. I believe that issues of transparency and democracy will be major issues at this election in October and was one of the main drivers for me to stand for the Wellington mayoralty in October.
Implementation
Wellington currently has residents associations in most areas that could be deemed ‘villages’. These groups vary in degrees of representation, depending on issues and personalities at the time and most are incorporated societies with a constitution. A ‘federation’ provides group representation in dealings with Wellington City Council and its committee faces yearly elections.
The initial emphasis by Council should be to facilitate ‘community economic development’ in consultation with the Residents Federation and other interested groups. A framework could be agreed and criteria would be set for this programme so that communities that wished to be part of this initiative could enter this programme and reach agreed standards. The following would be important;
CASE STUDY: Porirua Council and community working together (reprinted by permission of Porirua City Council) Village planning describes the process of Council and community collaboration to develop action plans as used to improve each of Porirua City's diverse villages.
The Village Planning Programme is a groundbreaking partnership between Porirua City Council and its communities.
It puts communities in charge of developing a vision for their neighbourhoods and then partnering with Council to make it happen. This vision is brought together through community consultation and developed into Village Plans, which lay out the community's
goals and aspirations for the future of their neighbourhood.
So far, eight Porirua communities have engaged in the Village Planning process. Their plans have been hugely diverse, reflecting the differing nature of the villages. Projects requested have included everything from a new waterfront promenade and skate park, to a beach management plan and community fair.
The Village Planning Programme has revolutionised the way Council works alongside its communities. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. It is being reflected in a noticeable increase in community pride and a deeper relationship between Council and its communities.
Village Planning helps Porirua Council set strategic directions This programme helps set a strategic direction for Porirua Council that is crucial for a number of long term projects. The objectives for Council are:-
Allan Probert
To read more; refer to;
http://www.pcc.govt.nz/Community/Community-Projects/Village-Planning-Programme
Democracy and consultation are problems that are commonly identified by Wellingtonians when dealing with Wellington City Council on issues ranging from planning consents, Manners Mall, the Indoor Sports Stadium to the Wellington Waterfront. I believe that a concept based on the principles of “Village planning” would address concerns by local groups such as Thorndon Residents Association who have felt that Wellington City Council has tried to dictate an outcome about heritage rather than involve the community in deciding the outcomes and effects of such a policy.
This policy would additionally address the concerns about community consultation that have come out of the Auckland Super city exercise. I believe that issues of transparency and democracy will be major issues at this election in October and was one of the main drivers for me to stand for the Wellington mayoralty in October.
Implementation
Wellington currently has residents associations in most areas that could be deemed ‘villages’. These groups vary in degrees of representation, depending on issues and personalities at the time and most are incorporated societies with a constitution. A ‘federation’ provides group representation in dealings with Wellington City Council and its committee faces yearly elections.
The initial emphasis by Council should be to facilitate ‘community economic development’ in consultation with the Residents Federation and other interested groups. A framework could be agreed and criteria would be set for this programme so that communities that wished to be part of this initiative could enter this programme and reach agreed standards. The following would be important;
- Agreed standards of representation
- What council assets (if any) are suitable to lease/devolve to the community eg. Libraries, community centres; other?
- Identifying community anchor organisations ie. Important businesses within the community
- Community questionnaires to database community attitudes and aspirations
- Identifying council facilities where support can be offered eg. funding, dedicated staff, branding and other
CASE STUDY: Porirua Council and community working together (reprinted by permission of Porirua City Council) Village planning describes the process of Council and community collaboration to develop action plans as used to improve each of Porirua City's diverse villages.
The Village Planning Programme is a groundbreaking partnership between Porirua City Council and its communities.
It puts communities in charge of developing a vision for their neighbourhoods and then partnering with Council to make it happen. This vision is brought together through community consultation and developed into Village Plans, which lay out the community's
goals and aspirations for the future of their neighbourhood.
So far, eight Porirua communities have engaged in the Village Planning process. Their plans have been hugely diverse, reflecting the differing nature of the villages. Projects requested have included everything from a new waterfront promenade and skate park, to a beach management plan and community fair.
The Village Planning Programme has revolutionised the way Council works alongside its communities. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. It is being reflected in a noticeable increase in community pride and a deeper relationship between Council and its communities.
Village Planning helps Porirua Council set strategic directions This programme helps set a strategic direction for Porirua Council that is crucial for a number of long term projects. The objectives for Council are:-
- To enable Council to set a strategic direction that promotes quality of life for city residents and economic development across the city.
- To enable Council to plan for and provide services that recognises and enhances the unique characteristics of the city’s geographic communities.
- To ensure amendments to the City District Plan reflect the changing needs and aspirations of our city.
Allan Probert
To read more; refer to;
http://www.pcc.govt.nz/Community/Community-Projects/Village-Planning-Programme
