Press release from Shaping Our Future, Incorporated Society

Friday 1 March 2013

FAST FACTS

Economic Futures Forum (EFF) immediately followed by Special General Meeting (SGM)

Lake Wanaka Centre – March 11 from 4 – 6pm (EFF) then 6-7pm (SGM)

Lake Hayes Pavilion – March 12 from 4 – 6pm (EFF) then 6-7pm (SGM)

Bring a bottle and talk about the future at Shaping Our Future events planned for March

The Shaping Our Future Steering Group plans to focus local minds firmly on the future during two events to be held next month. The newly incorporated society is also keen for people to stay on after the meetings and share a (BYO) drink.

Shaping Our Future chairman David Kennedy says everyone is encouraged to come and consider the Economic Futures Task Force Report, attend the Society’s Special General Meeting and then stay and chat with others from the area.

“Shaping Our Future is about getting the people of this spectacular region together to work out our own solutions to the problems we face. At our meetings, there’s generally not enough time to discuss all the ideas so this time we’d like people to bring a bottle of wine, beer or cordial with them and continue the discussion after the formal part is over.”

On March 11th and 12th (Wanaka and Queenstown respectively) the Economic Futures Forum is to regroup to discuss the report delivered late last year by the Economic Futures Task Force. The Forum will be followed by the organisation’s first Special General Meeting (SGM) as an Incorporated Society. (The AGM will take place after the organisation’s first balance date - June 30, 2013.)

At the Economic Futures Forums, the Task Force findings, including recommendations for the establishment of an Economic Futures Agency, will be discussed with the wider community.

The Task Force was appointed by the Shaping Our Future Steering Group following initial economic futures meetings held between June and August 2012 as part of a Shaping Our Future forum. Task Force members Sarah Bogle, Nick Brown, Lyal Cocks, Martin Hawes, Alistair King and Anthony Mason were supported by QLDC officer Jonathan Richards and facilitator Dave Roberts in producing the report.

Mr Kennedy said people could read the report online before attending the meetings, and make online comments if appropriate.

“This is valuable work by a local task force that raises some important questions. It’s recommending that money be diverted from some existing areas into an economic futures agency. This has implications for everyone and should be considered carefully in the spirit of what we want as a community.”

You can view the report and make comment at www.shapingourfuture.org.nz.

Following the Forum, the newly incorporated Shaping Our Future will report to the community at its Special General Meeting. The new Steering Group will be announced - this group has been appointed by the Society’s establishment members to take the organisation through until its first AGM. Funding and financials as well as future forums are on the agenda.

All are welcome to attend the Forum and/or SGM and to join the society.

About the Economic Futures Report

The Economic Futures report is the second report produced by Shaping Our Future Task Forces as the process examines issues and build plans to address them towards a shared draft vision:

‘Spectacular environments, enterprising people, exceptional solutions – Individuals and groups committed to finding creative ways to build better lives, for now and for generations to come. A district embracing the concepts of Kaitiakitanga and Manaakitanga. Applying these values reflects our intention to move forward together, based on a shared approach.’

The first report focused on Events in the district and has resulted in the establishment of a district wide Events Office.

About Shaping Our Future

A people led process designed to use collective community expertise to create a great future for our district. Shaping Our Future was instigated in December 2010 and was incorporated as a charitable society in January 2013. Its collaborative processes seek consensus on a range of issues. The process begins with public forums and online discussions which progress to establishing task forces to work through issues. Recommendations are finally presented to local and national agencies as required. For more information, please visit www.shapingourfuture.org.nz

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