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Urban Growth Structure Plans - Iwi Consultation Plan

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Reporting Officer:	Ngaire Thomson (Senior Policy Planner)
File Ref:	95/40/ 4
Date:	12 March 2007

Vision, Mission and Values

By developing the strategy and the structure plans the Council is demonstrating how visionary leadership can lead to innovation and excellence.  Through consultation with Tangata Whenua during the development of the structure plans the Council is putting the customer first and communicating to them how they can have input into how their district develops, and that the Council values the partnership that we have with the Tangata Whenua.

Local Government Act 2002 – The Four Well-Beings

Cultural:	The structure plans allow for the planning of facilities that will allow the whole community and individuals to recognise and appreciate the cultural significance of the area.  The consultation phases will enable a better relationship to be forged between Tangata Whenua and the organisation.
Economic:	The development and adoption of the Urban Growth Strategy and structure plans by Council in the urban area, gives all members of the community greater certainty as to the longer term direction of Council thereby increasing economic wellbeing.
Environmental:	With the development the Urban Growth Strategy and structure plans for the urban area the environmental wellbeing of the area can be enhanced through the better identification of the areas of ecological significance in the area.
Social:	The social benefits of developing urban structure plans will be wide ranging in their scope; generating better appreciation of the cultural and historical significance of Whangarei and its surrounds.  The social benefits of meaningful consultation between Council and Tangata Whenua are wide ranging and can be enjoyed by the whole community.

Introduction

In May 2006 the Urban Growth Project team presented to the Maori Liaison Sub Committee on the Urban Growth Strategy and requested assistance in formulating a consultation method and schedule for the Urban Growth Structure Plans.  With the assistance of Lorinda Robinson we met with the Roopu Kaumatua and discussed the best method of consultation.  It was decided that a series of three hui was the most effective method to get feedback from Iwi.  

Consultation Plan

To assist with creating a consultation plan that will not only meet the requirements of the current consultation but also create a way forward in communicating with Maori communities in the long term Cheryl Holloway, Director of Kaahu Communications was engaged in March 2007. 

Kaahu Communications is a consultancy specialising in cross-cultural communication.  They aim to bring people together so they can share knowledge and perspectives, and generate better decisions and outcomes for future generations.

Cheryl has been engaged to assist with preparation for the hui, and also to help facilitate communication during the series of hui.  She will also assist in recommending a way forward for future consultation between the Council and Iwi.

The aim of the hui is not only to consult on the Urban Growth Structure Plans but also to continue developing a stronger relationship between the Council and communities. So in the future it will be possible for people to reach better decisions and thereby generate better outcomes for all.

Currently the Consultation Plan that has been proposed is :

Stage 1:          Planning

Introduce Cheryl Holloway to the group (Ngaire Thomson, Lorinda Robinson, Paul Waanders, and Ian McAlley), and acquaint her with the project and the aims of the consultation.  Prepare a consultation plan to help guide the consultation.

Stage 2:          Preparation

                        Discuss consultation plan with key internal and external stakeholders and discuss how to best inform Maori communities about the importance of their involved in the consultation, and how to best present information during consultation hui.

Staff also prepare the material for the hui e.g.; presentation, handouts, and ensure that we have all the items that we need for the hui e.g. flipchart paper, felt tips etc.

Stage 3:          Consultation

Hold the hui. Take succinct minutes of the hui.  Ensure that there is consistency between the three hui, in terms of Council staff present, and the information provided. Get resolution from the hui as to what the next steps need to be.

Stage 4:          Results

Collate and summarise the results for the Urban Growth Structure Plans from the three hui. Determine follow up consultation requirements.

Stage 5:          Recommendations

Develop recommendations from the three hui that will assist the relationship between Council and Iwi in moving forward.  

Proposed dates and venues for hui:

12 May 2007 – Pehiaweri Marae

            19 May 2007 – Whangarei Terenga Paraoa

            26 May 2007 – Ngararatunua Marae

Recommendation

1.       That this item be received

2.       That the Maori Liaison Sub Committee endorse and support the proposed consultation programme.