Setting strategies for the future
OPINION: Kia ora e te whā nau. Ko Sophie Handford tō ku ingoa.
For those of you who I haven’t met or connected with, I’m Sophie, and am extremely proud to represent the Paekā kā riki – Raumati Ward at the Kā piti Coast District Council table.
This is my second triennium, thanks to those who have entrusted me with what I see as a significant responsibility and opportunity to influence change for the better; for our people, planet and next generation.
This triennium, I’ve also been appointed chairperson of our strategy, operations and finance committee – a role which I’m really enjoying and finding a lot of purpose in.
Over the last two months, we’ve workshopped and collaborated on the development of strategic priorities and are now at the stage where we’re sharing them far and wide to hear your feedback, and whether you think we’ve got it right.
The 10 strategic priorities we’ve worked up will focus our mahi across the triennium and will be accompanied by a suite of annual actions that ensure change is implemented.
I’m really proud that this council is focussed on making sure we deliver on what matters most to our community, so that we are enabling sustainable development that improves social, environmental, cultural, and economic outcomes for current and future generations, while at the same time, ensuring the council’s operational activity is aligned with the needs of the Kā piti Coast people and environment.
Our priorities are grouped under three key areas of focus – place, people, and partnerships.
Priorities related to ‘‘place’’ focus on making sure Kā piti is resilient and liveable for current and future generations.
For 2023/24, actions include introducing an emissions reduction target, and supporting ‘‘strategic scaffolding’’ by June 2023, improving our active and public transport networks, reducing inland flooding issues, and delivering the council’s stormwater infrastructure program.
Priorities related to ‘‘people’’ focus on ensuring people are supported to live, work, and play in our district.
For 2023/24, actions include increasing economic opportunities to work in Kā piti, building stronger community connection points, progressing mahi to establish an affordable housing entity, and setting a health strategy.
Priorities related to ‘‘partnerships’’ focus on partnering more effectively with mana whenua and others to connect, facilitate, and advocate for the benefit of everyone that calls Kā piti home.
For 2023/24, actions include working with the community to develop a shared vision for Kā piti, improving accountability, and improving engagement practices.
We are keen to hear what you think of these priorities! The main opportunity to share your thoughts will be through the upcoming visioning journey we’ll be undertaking (keep on reading!), but don’t hesitate to drop us an email, Facebook message or call in the meantime.
Following on from us having now worked on these priorities, we’ll now be collectively (the council, mana whenua and the community) shaping up a vision for our district out to 2060, with an accompanying blueprint for change. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for opportunities to contribute.
We’ve heard the community’s desire to be more involved in council decisions around where Kā piti is heading, and this will be a great way to help chart a course for everyone.
We will be real about where we are now, listen to understand what you want the future to look like, and set out what we need to do in the short, medium, and long term to get there.
As mentioned, keep an eye out – stay tuned!