Meet the community development team

Rebecca Parata joined the Community Development team in April 2008. Rebecca has held two other positions within the DCC - both in the governance area, working with the elected arm of the Council. She has also been involved in student politics (including a two year stint as the national polytechnic student president, based in Wellington) and has managed the Dunedin Community College.

Rebecca has been involved in a myriad of community organisations since she was a teenager, including the Ngai Tahu Maori Law Centre, Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki and the Queens High School Ex-Girls' Committee. She currently serves on the Otago Polytechnic Council, The Araiteuru Kokiri Centre Charitable Trust and the Dunedin City Tertiary Accommodation Trust.

As team leader, Rebecca has overall responsibility for the co-ordination of the team's staff and projects.

Paul has more than 10 years experience in the Community Development team and has a wealth of knowledge of council policy and process that often sees him being the 'go to guy' for historical context and guidance in terms of matters relating to community development.

Paul has a background in social work and when not working his 9 to 5, you might find Paul tramping up a mountain in the summer or skiing down one in winter. Or you may even find him umpiring or coaching a game of Boccia (opens in a new window) locally, nationally or internationally.

Paul's current Community Development portfolio includes:

Cara Paterson has been with the Community Development team for seven years. She has a background in film and visual arts.

Cara works across the arts sector in areas such as arts development for emerging artists, professional pathways for artists and supporting established individuals and organisations in our community. The Arts in Public Places programme is a key focus for Cara, with the re-establishment of an annual Council fund in 2006 and the creation of the first public work in 2007.

Cara gets her inspiration from the many talented artists in New Zealand and beyond. She can provide advice to arts groups and artists on promotion of participation in the arts, public sculpture policies and also on the following funding schemes:

A graduate of the University of Otago's PhysEd School, topped with a Masters in Entrepreneurship, Hamish has previously worked for Recreation Services at the University before coming to the Council.

Hamish hails from the Hakataramea Valley where at the tender age of 14 a school project introduced him to sheep breeding. He now manages a flock of 70 coloured sheep, affectionately know as "Chocolate Wool."

At work, Hamish is involved in the implementation of the Physical Activity Strategy and is also part of the Playground Development team. Hamish works closely with many of Dunedin's sporting and recreation facilities and can offer advice to organisations or individuals on the following topics:

Alex Griffin has been the Task Force Green Co-ordinator since the end of 1994. An electrician by trade, he has a diverse background including being a Union delegate at the Freezing Works, which has put him in good stead for this position.

Not often seen in the office, Alex co-ordinates a number of projects that provide work skills and habits for those who are unemployed. The projects are mainly focused in the area of beautification, but from time to time involve special projects within DCC departments. Alex is always looking for suggestions from residents of areas in the city that may benefit from such a project.

A stalwart of Brighton, Alex is a champion bowler and is active in his local community. He is also a proud parent and grandfather.

Darlene Thomson has been working for Keep Dunedin Beautiful (KDB) since October 2006. Her background is in teaching, having taught in several Dunedin schools. She has a passion for environmental causes, especially the reduction of waste.

When she is not coordinating the many projects of KDB you might find her walking her dog along the beach or taking part in a number of sporting activities.

Keep Dunedin Beautiful is committed to projects that encourage citizens to take pride in and care for their environment.