12 May 2005

Manukau residents urged to participate in regional workshop

What do you value most about the Auckland region? What do you want for the wider region in 20 years time? These are some of the questions the Auckland Regional Council is asking Manukau residents at a workshop next week.

Residents from throughout Manukau City are invited to attend the workshop, which is being run by the ARC and Manukau City Council. The workshop, one of a number being held across the region in conjunction with local councils, aims to find out more about what people value about the Auckland region now, what people would like the region to be like in 20 years time, and what needs to happen over the next two decades to achieve that?

When: 7 - 8.30pm, Tuesday 17 May Where: Gallery, Level 3, Manukau Civic Centre, Wiri Station Road, Manukau City

ARC Councillor, and representative for Manukau City, Robyn Hughes, will be attending the workshop and says that Manukau is a diverse city, and by participating in the workshop, Manukau residents will be helping to ensure that the wants and needs of all Aucklanders are taken into consideration during the planning of activities and services.

"The only way we can ensure that the ARC's activities and services reflect the needs and wants of all Aucklanders is to encourage people from throughout the Auckland region to tell us what they want for the region - not just right now, but for the future as well," Cr Hughes says.

Cr Bill Burrill, who is also a representative for Manukau, says that this is a great opportunity for people to share what they love and value about the region, and provide input into the overall shape of the region in 20 years time.

"Many of the things people value about their own neighbourhoods and communities will apply across the wider region. There are many distinctive communities within Manukau, and I encourage as many people as possible to participate in this workshop," Cr Burrill says.

The workshop is part of a process of identifying 'Community Outcomes', which are all about what people want for themselves, their family and their community.

Feedback gathered will be collated by the ARC and presented in the 2006 Long Term Council Community Plan, scheduled to be released for public consultation in March/April next year.

Delivering services and activities to achieve the outcomes that Aucklanders want does not rest with the ARC alone. Working in partnership with others in the region, including local councils, central government, businesses, community organisations and individuals will be crucial in order to deliver what the community wants.

People interested in participating in the workshop can contact Tricia Allen, Auckland Regional Council phone 366 2000 x8028, or email tricia.allen@arc.govt.nz.

ENDS

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