Partnership in Opotiki - The Opotiki Development Project
Don Reisterer, Mayor of Opotiki District Council
Opotiki District consists of 3,077,000 hectares in the eastern Bay of Plenty and has a 160 km coastline of outstanding natural values. A significant area remains in native forest in either Maori or public ownership. The population of 9,375 increased 8.2% between 1991 and 1996, and is expected to increase a further 40% over the next 20 years. Harvesting of forest plantations has begun with all obvious transport issues arising . Tourism has potential for development. Unemployment is high although seasonal horticultural opportunities are helping.
The Opotiki Development Project is a community-government joint development partnership, a pilot project which, if successful, could be applied to improve the wellbeing of other socially and economically deprived communities. The project has the following structure.
| Opotiki District Community | ||
| Community Groups | ||
| Project Steering Group | ||
| Full-time Project Manager | Opotiki District Council | |
| Community Partnership Support Group | ||
| Central Government |
Project Funding is provided by: Department of Social Welfare, Te Puni Kokiri, Ministry of Education, Department of Internal Affairs, Crime Prevention Unit, Community Employment Group.
The Challenges to the Project include:
- coping with a legacy of disappointment,
- to have central government stakeholders work together collaboratively,
- matching time frames and expectations,
- recognising conflicting views on economic and social development,
- recognising that patchwork solutions will not work,
- working in an environment perceived to be delivering less,
- to be innovative and flexible both with initiatives and policy,
- to achieve community "buy-in" and acceptance of the project.
The project has been on the ground for four months. Most of the work on a day-to-day basis is carried out by the Project Manager. This might include bringing agencies together for a particular activity such as a CEGs course at the Opotiki Learning Centre; making referrals — of individuals and groups; assessing the capacity of local organisations to provide work; talking to trainees about improving work readiness; preparing for investment. Project control rests with local groups that support the Project Manager.
Contact for Enquiries
Rural Affairs Coordinator
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0675
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0745
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