Camping across the generations

‘‘Being good ancestors’’ is the vision of a new regional development strategy that encompasses the top of the south.

The first draft of the Te Tauihu Intergenerational Strategy, covering Tasman, Nelson and Marlborough, was released on December 23 for public feedback. The strategy’s focus is ensuring the long-term wellbeing of the region’s people, economy and environment.

Six priority areas have been put forward – the environment, economy, regional identity, social equity, housing and leadership.

The strategy’s executive summary says a regional approach is needed to solve big issues such as climate change, social inequality, and anticipated changes to the future of work.

With a vision of ‘‘being good ancestors’’, the summary says there is a particular focus on improving the wellbeing of current and future generations, with a view to leaving the region in a better position for the future.

In the environmental sphere, proposed actions include improving climate change and regenerative agriculture outcomes.

This would be established by setting up a taskforce to encourage land owners to adopt good land and water management practices, as well as building on existing initiatives to improve climate change and water stewardship outcomes.

Two actions are being put forward to help stimulate the regional economy – developing an ‘‘oceans economy strategy’’, focusing on both inshore and open oceans aquaculture; and building an ‘‘innovation ecosystem’’ to accelerate the growth of technologies, high-value food, ingredients and wellness solutions.

Proposals to strengthen regional identity include developing narratives around existing identities, the development of te reo Ma¯ori, and the stories of past and present migration and refugee communities.

The strategy’s social equity plan involves mapping the entities, groups and individuals in Te Tauihu that contribute to the wellbeing of people and communities, and developing new initiatives to improve health, wellness, education, access to employment, and participation in society.

Finding smart housing solutions is also a priority. This would be explored through a regional housing forum, which would lobby central and local government, help to support housing initiatives and reduce development costs, and work on developing new housing models and pilot projects.

To deliver the priorities and actions in the strategy, a regional leadership forum would also be established, providing opportunities to discuss and engage on the issues at hand.

According to the executive summary, more than 1000 people attended the 25 engagement events set up around the region, with another 10,000 people engaging with the strategy through social media.

Developed with money from the Provincial Growth Fund, the strategy was convened by Wakatu Incorporation, in partnership with the Marlborough District Council, Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council.

Development of the strategy began earlier this year, with the formation of a steering group that included iwi, business, the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, the Nelson Regional Development Agency, and the region’s chambers of commerce, as well as the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in an advisory capacity.

Te Tauihu Intergenerational Strategy programme director Miriana Stephens said the strategy belonged to the people of Te Tauihu. ‘‘It’s fitting that they should review and comment on the strategy before it is finalised.’’

The Te Tauihu Intergenerational Strategy . . . says a regional approach is needed to solve big issues such as climate change, social inequality, and anticipated changes to the future of work.