What are community outcomes?

Community outcomes are a high-level set of desired goals that we aim to achieve. These outcomes seek to improve the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of our District, now and for the future.

Community outcomes are important to the Council. They are used to guide and inform the planning process and set out priorities. They also help us focus on a vision for the District.

How were community outcomes identified?

Before setting the outcomes, it was important that the issues affecting our District and the Council were understood. We wanted to ensure our role within the community was considered, and we developed a framework to guide our decisions. The resulting community outcomes were created for the Long Term Plan on that basis.

Draft community outcomes were presented to the community boards and the Iwi Liaison Committee and were approved by the Council in August 2011. They were then included in our draft Long Term Plan for consultation.

Why have the community outcomes changed?

We are required to have community outcomes under the Local Government Act 2002. An amendment to this legislation during 2010 shifted the focus of the community outcomes.

The outcomes are no longer goals for the whole community to achieve. The focus is now on the outcomes that the Council hopes to achieve for the community. This makes it clear that the outcomes are something the Council 'owns' and should be working towards.

Community outcomes for the Whakatāne District

Effective Leadership

Striving for our future and well-being

1. Be visible, strong, have a clear vision and listen to all sectors of the community
2. Work in partnership with iwi and the community
3. Ensure accountability to the community through transparent, open and inclusive decision making
4. Respond and advocate on community issues

Sustainable Economic Development

Working in partnership

1. Facilitate an economy that is prosperous in both urban and rural areas
2. Encourage business growth that builds on the region's assets
3. Support Māori economic development
4. Promote connected businesses through effective networks

Community Needs

A caring community

1. Create vibrant, connected and safe communities
2. Support healthy, active communities
3. Build inclusive communities
4. Value, celebrate, promote and protect Māori culture

Quality Services

Excellent value for money

1. Provide services that meet the aspirations of the community
2. Ensure all customers are dealt with in a timely, helpful and friendly way

Valuing Our Environment

Sustaining for future generations

1. Sustainably manage the natural and physical resources
2. Recognise and protect places of natural and cultural heritage
3. Proactively plan for growth and ensure the effects and costs are managed

Reliable and Affordable Infrastructure

Meeting current and future needs

1. Provide infrastructure that facilitates growth and development
2. Ensure people, infrastructure and the environment are protected from natural disasters
3. Sustainably manage community assets