Chris Bishop
National List MP based in Hutt South

Media statement

7 October 2016

Community Development Scheme funding for Walter Nash Park

The Taita community will receive $240,000 in funding as part of the Government’s Community Development Scheme funding round for 2016/17.

Great Start Taita was announced by Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Jo Goodhew as one of seven communities located throughout New Zealand who will receive $80,000 per year for three years. Chris Bishop, National List MP based in the Hutt Valley, says the funding will help make Taita an even better place to live, play and work.

“Taita is part of a strong and resilient Hutt Valley, but we can always do more to better our community”, says Mr Bishop.

“Great Start Taita have successfully identified the need for a safe outdoor space for everyone to use. The proposed redevelopment of Walter Nash Park has the potential to be a major asset for the community.

“The purpose of the Community Development Scheme is to help local communities succeed by addressing local issues that are important to local people. Already we have seen the boost to the community that assets like the newly opened Walter Nash Centre has provided. I have been to several key community events hosted by the centre in the past year, and have hosted public meetings there myself.

“Redeveloping the Walter Nash Park to provide a large multi-use space for everyone to enjoy is important in promoting the Hutt as a safe, diverse and attractive place to raise a family. This is a real, tangible asset that the Taita community will gain through funding schemes such as this one.”

The Community Development Scheme (CDS) supports community, hapū, iwi, Pacific and ethnic groups to work together, generate their own solutions to local issues, and work towards becoming more self-reliant and resilient. The full list of groups awarded a grant can be found here.

ENDS

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