Work is under way to refresh Christchurch City Council’s strategy for building strong, connected communities.
The Council has had a Strengthening Communities Strategy since 2007 but it needs updating to reflect the significant changes that have occurred in the city over the past 13 years.
To help with that refresh, the Council is inviting the public to give feedback on how it can build and strengthen community connections over the next 10 years.
“We want to ensure the Council continues to work effectively alongside the many organisations that help make our communities stronger, more resilient and better connected,’’ says Council Head of Community Support, Governance and Partnerships John Filsell
“They have stepped up many times in the past few years and it’s important, as we look out another 10 years into the future, that we have a clear framework for the Council’s role in community liaison and support.
“This engagement with the community is a way of asking people what is working and what isn’t? What areas do we need to improve and how can we do things better?
“The overall goal is a city where people feel safe and included and they’re able to support each other in times of stress. But we also want our residents to achieve, participate and be able to get together, learn, and enjoy themselves.”
The main topics for feedback come under four categories: people (creating a culture of inclusion and diversity), place (activating spaces and places), participation (involving communities) and preparedness (for disruption or change).
Workshops and discussions will be hosted by Council staff in Community Board areas this month and the Have Your Say will be open until 14 September.
Feedback is also being gathered by a wide range of community groups including rūnanga, the City Mission, Canterbury Youth Workers Collective, Age Concern Canterbury and the Social Equity and Wellbeing Network.
All comments and suggestions will be considered for the draft Strengthening Communities Strategy that will go out for consultation early next year.
*A workshop will be held at Te Hononga Civic Offices, 53 Hereford Street, on Monday 24 August, 1pm until 3pm. If you would like to attend, email strengtheningcommunities@ccc.govt.nz or leave a message on (03) 941 5207.