The Stronger Communities pathway recognises that self-led community initiatives can deliver many social wellbeing gains. The Council will focus on what it can do to assist community building initiatives, which may include involvement at a range of different levels, such as provision of information, advice, facilitation, partnership or funding.
Stronger Communities ties in with a place-based approach to development, where planning initiatives occur at a localised level and integrate a range of co-ordinated improvements (e.g. planning rule changes, physical works, social programmes, cultural events) which involve and engage members of the surrounding community.
A number of the current community building examples in Dunedin are based around environmental and sustainability programmes. These initiatives provide environmental wellbeing benefits in addition to social wellbeing; while also frequently providing economic and cultural benefits. They align well with the Spatial Plan promotion of sustainable, resilient and self-sufficient communities.
The main actions identified for this pathway are as follows:
- formation of Stronger Communities pathway team
- scoping and needs analysis, development of detailed action plan
- review of community funding delivery and effectiveness
- identifying information and resource gaps for community builders, e.g. training & skills, forums, mentors, linking into national initiatives
- co-ordination/sponsorship of best practice information kit for community builders
- sponsorship/facilitation of local leadership programmes/networks
- work with Manaakitanga team to identify community safety initiatives
- ensure integration of social wellbeing aspects across all Council action plans