Community Development Focus Continues After Expert’s Visit

Following a visit by renowned community development expert Peter Kenyon in April this year, Waiau and Cheviot residents have come together again to establish action plans in order to deliver on the top seven priorities for their communities.

Facilitated by the council’s Community Team, the two sessions, one in Cheviot and one in Waiau, took place in May and were well-attended in both towns.

Community Team leader Rochelle Faimalo says that while the top seven priorities for the future of each town were decided at the original April get togethers, these follow-up sessions provided a great platform for Waiau and Cheviot residents to discuss how to implement the priorities.

“Action plans were drafted by each group as to what they wanted to see happen as part of their town’s future. The reason for these sessions was to enable the community to go ahead and further discuss their ideas and plans, reflecting the council’s Hurunui 2050 project to facilitate community-led development.”

Those in attendance also received updates from fellow residents on the progress already taking place on community initiatives discussed in the initial workshops with Peter Kenyon.

Mayor Winton Dalley says the two evenings were extremely valuable for the residents in attendance and will help kick-start further community-led economic development.

“The initial workshops with Peter were fantastic with a flurry of meaningful ideas for growth voiced. We as a council are committed to continuing to work with all of our residents through the ongoing recovery and supporting the strengthening of our communities.”

Peter Kenyon’s visit to the Hurunui and the follow-up sessions were made possible thanks to funding from the Department of Internal Affairs Hurunui Kaikoura Marlborough Earthquake Relief Fund.

ENDS

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