Have your say for future

If you are a proud resident at Waihi Beach, Athenree or Bowentown, now is the time to have your say.

Waihi Beach Community Board has initiated an update of the 10-year community plan for the area starting with selecting a “connectors group” to help steer the Waihi Beach Community Plan.

A group of 14 local representatives or connectors are now recruited to record the aspirations of locals and identify actions to implement the new plan which will include social, cultural, environmental and economic development.

“If you live in Waihi Beach, Athenree or Bowentown or spend time here or have a connection with the area and have great ideas about what the community could be like in the future, then we want to see you at one of these workshops” says connector Kelly Moslen.

The group consists of representatives from Otawhiwhi Marae, the residents and ratepayers group, the town centre businesses, environmental groups and stakeholders in the local area.

Independent facilitator Portia McKenzie, who is supporting the connectors, says the community-led plan is a “baseline document that will support local organisations in their bid for improved social, economic, cultural and environmental services. It identifies the area’s strengths and areas for improvement”.

Portia says the plan looks to set a strategic direction for the development of Waihi Beach, Bowentown and Athenree over the next 10 years.

The workshops will be explanatory and interactive, as well as an open forum for those who wish to voice their ideas.

“We’re looking forward to hearing from the community what they think a successful and vibrant community looks like, the steps we must take to get there and who is keen to create partnerships to put those ideas in place,” says connector John Mutlow. John is representing Otawhiwhi Marae and said that the marae trustees are keen to get involved in the planning. The public are invited to join one of three workshops planned for the end of September.

Once the workshops are complete the connectors will gather the key themes and draft up the community plan, and the public will have their say through a second round of consultation. Workshops are on:

■ September 19, 5.30-7.30pm: Athenree Fire Station

■ September 21 from 1pm3pm: Waihi Beach Community Centre

■ September 22 from 1pm3pm: Waihi Beach Coastguard in Bowentown

The Waihi Beach Community Plan development can be followed on www.waihibeach2029.co.nz

PHOTO/REBECCA MAUGER Alan Kurtovic, Kelly Moslen and John Mutlow are three of the chosen “connecters” who will implement the Waihi Beach Community Plan.

PHOTO / REBECCA MAUGER Proud enviroschool leaders from KiwiKidz at the Beach are Xavier Meares, Ellie Meares, Connor Clothier, Gemma Munro and Rafael Ngapo.