Community Outcomes Workshop
Speech delivered to the third annual community outcomes workshop in Wellington.
---------------------------------
Good morning and welcome to the third annual community outcomes workshop here in Wellington.
I would like to extend apologies on behalf of Hon Mark Burton, who could not be here. I am delighted to be here and to participate in your workshop today.
Central/ local government engagement.
One of the hallmarks of this Labour-led government is the emphasis placed on the relationship between central & local government. Just as Ministers and Mayors meet regularly to have a full and robust discussion about critical issues facing our community, so too is it important for us to work together towards shared outcomes.
There is a regular (six monthly) forum between ministers and the National Council of Local Government New Zealand. In the middle of this year, we will meet for the 13th time.
The Forum provides an avenue for conversation between local and central government at the highest possible level.
It is a significant event when central and local government practitioners come together, and talk about community well-being, shared best practice, and to adopt new strategies to move forward.
Community outcomes processes - the focus for today - have ensured that conversations have started between central and local government at all levels.
Today provides an opportunity for us to take stock and think about why these conversations are important.
When you met last year for this workshop you were at various stages of finalising community outcomes. Since that time:
· communities have identified the outcomes they want now and in the future;
· through long-term council community plan processes, councils have agreed with their communities the contribution they will make to achieve those outcomes; and
· central government, community groups, business and others are developing an understanding of their role in the process.
Today I would like to comment on:
· the importance of the community outcomes processes to New Zealand's sustainable development;
· orient these efforts in a global context; and
· recognise New Zealand as an international leader in the value it places on local government to promote sustainable development.
Community outcomes and sustainability
In her speech at the opening of Parliament, the Prime Minister made clear her aspirations for a sustainable New Zealand.
She noted that in the 21st century New Zealand faces a number of key challenges.
· Where high volume, low quality products will always undercut us on price, New Zealand must build a sustainable economy based on innovation and quality.
· In an open competitive economy, we must sustain and improve family and community living standards.
· In the face of globalised media and culture it is important to sustain our unique culture, values and national identity.
· Finally, in a world increasingly aware of the global environmental challenge, we need commitment to greater sustainability in our resource use and way of life. Through this we can avoid exposing our economy to significant risk.
Meeting these challenges requires smart active central and local government, working with the community and its key stakeholders.
It also relies on us having good information about our communities and being able to balance their immediate needs against those of future communities.
Just as children grow into young people then onto adulthood, so does a community and we should never presume to know the ever-changing face of our community and sector.
New Zealand is a leader in this regard.
The work you are doing with community outcomes processes, is respected around the world. Engaging with communities, developing local solutions to local issues, and finding efficiencies across government for sustainable development, is highly commended.
In March New Zealand hosted the fourth biennial Commonwealth Local Government Conference, which was attended by over 600 participants from 40 Commonwealth countries.
The Conference focused on "Delivering development through local leadership" - a theme that holds similarities with your workshop today.
The outcome of the Conference was the Auckland Accord.
In November, Prime Minister Helen Clark will take the Accord to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Kampala, for official endorsement.
The Auckland Accord captures the aspirations for local government across the Commonwealth.
The Accord highlights the role of strong local leadership in transforming Commonwealth societies. It identifies developing partnerships with a range of stakeholders as key to this role.
Among other things the Accord notes the importance of local leadership in:
· involving communities in decision-making and service provision;
· improving accountability;
· enhancing the legitimacy and integrity of local decisions;
· clarifying local priorities and concerns;
· building partnerships at a local level;
· increasing the scope for innovation and creativity;
· enabling more efficient use of local resources; and
· promoting respect and understanding between the spheres of government, based on the recognition that they all serve the same people.
It is encouraging that these points directly reflect the philosophy driving our system of local government in New Zealand. The sharing of our experience has been invaluable to local government leaders across the world - and sometimes we need to remind ourselves of the value we gain from the insight of others,
The Conference also gave New Zealand the opportunity to showcase innovation in local community leadership.
Preceding the conference, over 30 councils hosted sponsored delegates, to give them a closer look at local government in New Zealand. This was the first time this has ever been done at a Commonwealth Local Government Conference.
During the Conference delegates also had the opportunity to visit one of nine different council based projects in the Auckland region. The topics addressed included leadership, governance, strategic visioning, community/sustainable development, diversity, shared services and public/private partnerships.
The delegates were very positive about what they saw. They enjoyed our special "Kiwi" hospitality and - all the New Zealanders who participated would agree - we left a lasting and positive impression on every participant.
I too would like to acknowledge those of you who work for councils that hosted these delegates. Thank you for your generosity and your willingness to exchange ideas and best practice with our Commonwealth counterparts. I certainly hope that the friendships formed will continue well into the future as a positive link across the globe.
New Zealand local government in a global context
As I said previously, the overarching purpose of local government is oriented toward sustainable development.
The role of local government is increasingly recognised not only in promoting the well-being of citizens but in tackling global issues such as disaster management, community development and climate change.
In a range of ways our councils are equipped to think globally and act locally in the interests of sustainability.
This year Kaikoura became the first local authority in the world to achieve Green Globe Certification. Green Globe provides benchmarking and certification programmes that respond directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet. This includes the greenhouse effect, over-use of freshwater resources, destruction of biodiversity, production of solid and biological waste and social issues. (Congratulations Kaikoura!)
In Taupo, the Lake Taupo programme works to reduce algae growth due to high nitrogen levels from stock effluent and urban wastewater. The programme is jointly funded by local and regional rates and government taxes. The fund is managed by the Lake Taupo Protection Trust which is answerable to the local councils, central government and the local iwi.
And right around the country, Zero Waste New Zealand Trust is a charitable trust which supports community organisations, councils, businesses, schools and individuals involved in waste minimisation and recycling. Since 1999, 70 percent of local authorities have adopted a Zero Waste policy and are aiming for Zero Waste by 2015.
Sustainable development is also about working together - the reason we are here today.
Here's just a few examples:
· Te Araroa - the long pathway - is a proposed 2020 kilometre single tramping track from the top to the bottom of New Zealand. Te Araroa is a partnership between three central government agencies and over 20 councils, as well as seven regional trusts and other volunteer track-making organisations within the community. The latest project - the Pirongia boardwalk, one of the longest boardwalks in New Zealand - was built by seven schools in the area.
· The Franklin Steel Mill partnership - New Zealand Steel's Glenbrook Mill - is the major employer in the Franklin district. Through regular meetings between the Franklin District Council and steel mill representatives, strong links between the Mill and the Council have developed. There are now plans to expand activities around the mill to benefit Franklin District. For instance, New Zealand Steel is a key sponsor of Franklin's new library, arts and cultural centre.
The progress being made reflects a commonsense approach to problem solving.
We understand now that we cannot do it alone.
Te Araroa - the long pathway - cannot be achieved without the input of schools, central and local government, community trusts and volunteers.
Neither would the efforts of the Lake Taupo programme be so effective if it didn't represent a team of central government, local government and Mäori.
By working together and sharing information with New Zealand Steel, Franklin District Council has been able to develop a rewarding working relationship with a key local business.
We can agree, central/ local government engagement - and engagement with our communities and other key stakeholders - around common agendas is paying off.
Looking ahead
There is however, still a way to go.
Looking ahead, a significant event later this year will be the local body elections.
For those of you in local government now is a good time to reflect on what you have learned over the past five years about community outcomes processes and to apply those learnings to working with new councillors.
At the same time, for both local and central government, today is a chance to reflect on what you have learned about working with each other.
There is still room to understand each other better and improve the ways we work together. More and more we deal with the growing challenge of diverse communities and engaging creative responses to youth development, regional economic opportunity, heritage protection, social advancement and environmental responsibility.
In some areas, we need to improve the ways we work in order to most effectively work with others!
Now is the time to really get stuck in to progressing community outcomes, to put the relationships that have been formed to work.
We also need to be able to check that what is being done is making a difference and report that difference back to the community.
To help with this, Statistics New Zealand and the Department of Internal Affairs released the Regional Stocktake in March this year.
The Stocktake identifies sub-regional monitoring information, how often it is collected and tells you where it can be accessed.
The Stocktake is one of the steps towards providing all of government support to community outcomes.
Closing
I thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today (on behalf of Minister Burton).
Today I have put our relationship building efforts in a sustainability context - focusing on why it is so important to engage across government, with our stakeholders and with the community.
In doing so, I have also put the New Zealand system of local government in a global context - we are leaders in recognising the role of local government in achieving sustainable development.
As we take this opportunity to reflect on progress and share our experience, we are successfully charting a course for the future.
Just as the adage goes - it's not so much the destination but the journey - I understand, as you do, the importance of people, and central and local government being committed to working together to support community well being.
Best wishes for a successful workshop!
Nö reira, tënä koutou, tënä koutou
Kia ora tatou katoa
Therefore, greetings
Greetings all.
---------------------------------
Good morning and welcome to the third annual community outcomes workshop here in Wellington.
I would like to extend apologies on behalf of Hon Mark Burton, who could not be here. I am delighted to be here and to participate in your workshop today.
Central/ local government engagement.
One of the hallmarks of this Labour-led government is the emphasis placed on the relationship between central & local government. Just as Ministers and Mayors meet regularly to have a full and robust discussion about critical issues facing our community, so too is it important for us to work together towards shared outcomes.
There is a regular (six monthly) forum between ministers and the National Council of Local Government New Zealand. In the middle of this year, we will meet for the 13th time.
The Forum provides an avenue for conversation between local and central government at the highest possible level.
It is a significant event when central and local government practitioners come together, and talk about community well-being, shared best practice, and to adopt new strategies to move forward.
Community outcomes processes - the focus for today - have ensured that conversations have started between central and local government at all levels.
Today provides an opportunity for us to take stock and think about why these conversations are important.
When you met last year for this workshop you were at various stages of finalising community outcomes. Since that time:
· communities have identified the outcomes they want now and in the future;
· through long-term council community plan processes, councils have agreed with their communities the contribution they will make to achieve those outcomes; and
· central government, community groups, business and others are developing an understanding of their role in the process.
Today I would like to comment on:
· the importance of the community outcomes processes to New Zealand's sustainable development;
· orient these efforts in a global context; and
· recognise New Zealand as an international leader in the value it places on local government to promote sustainable development.
Community outcomes and sustainability
In her speech at the opening of Parliament, the Prime Minister made clear her aspirations for a sustainable New Zealand.
She noted that in the 21st century New Zealand faces a number of key challenges.
· Where high volume, low quality products will always undercut us on price, New Zealand must build a sustainable economy based on innovation and quality.
· In an open competitive economy, we must sustain and improve family and community living standards.
· In the face of globalised media and culture it is important to sustain our unique culture, values and national identity.
· Finally, in a world increasingly aware of the global environmental challenge, we need commitment to greater sustainability in our resource use and way of life. Through this we can avoid exposing our economy to significant risk.
Meeting these challenges requires smart active central and local government, working with the community and its key stakeholders.
It also relies on us having good information about our communities and being able to balance their immediate needs against those of future communities.
Just as children grow into young people then onto adulthood, so does a community and we should never presume to know the ever-changing face of our community and sector.
New Zealand is a leader in this regard.
The work you are doing with community outcomes processes, is respected around the world. Engaging with communities, developing local solutions to local issues, and finding efficiencies across government for sustainable development, is highly commended.
In March New Zealand hosted the fourth biennial Commonwealth Local Government Conference, which was attended by over 600 participants from 40 Commonwealth countries.
The Conference focused on "Delivering development through local leadership" - a theme that holds similarities with your workshop today.
The outcome of the Conference was the Auckland Accord.
In November, Prime Minister Helen Clark will take the Accord to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Kampala, for official endorsement.
The Auckland Accord captures the aspirations for local government across the Commonwealth.
The Accord highlights the role of strong local leadership in transforming Commonwealth societies. It identifies developing partnerships with a range of stakeholders as key to this role.
Among other things the Accord notes the importance of local leadership in:
· involving communities in decision-making and service provision;
· improving accountability;
· enhancing the legitimacy and integrity of local decisions;
· clarifying local priorities and concerns;
· building partnerships at a local level;
· increasing the scope for innovation and creativity;
· enabling more efficient use of local resources; and
· promoting respect and understanding between the spheres of government, based on the recognition that they all serve the same people.
It is encouraging that these points directly reflect the philosophy driving our system of local government in New Zealand. The sharing of our experience has been invaluable to local government leaders across the world - and sometimes we need to remind ourselves of the value we gain from the insight of others,
The Conference also gave New Zealand the opportunity to showcase innovation in local community leadership.
Preceding the conference, over 30 councils hosted sponsored delegates, to give them a closer look at local government in New Zealand. This was the first time this has ever been done at a Commonwealth Local Government Conference.
During the Conference delegates also had the opportunity to visit one of nine different council based projects in the Auckland region. The topics addressed included leadership, governance, strategic visioning, community/sustainable development, diversity, shared services and public/private partnerships.
The delegates were very positive about what they saw. They enjoyed our special "Kiwi" hospitality and - all the New Zealanders who participated would agree - we left a lasting and positive impression on every participant.
I too would like to acknowledge those of you who work for councils that hosted these delegates. Thank you for your generosity and your willingness to exchange ideas and best practice with our Commonwealth counterparts. I certainly hope that the friendships formed will continue well into the future as a positive link across the globe.
New Zealand local government in a global context
As I said previously, the overarching purpose of local government is oriented toward sustainable development.
The role of local government is increasingly recognised not only in promoting the well-being of citizens but in tackling global issues such as disaster management, community development and climate change.
In a range of ways our councils are equipped to think globally and act locally in the interests of sustainability.
This year Kaikoura became the first local authority in the world to achieve Green Globe Certification. Green Globe provides benchmarking and certification programmes that respond directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet. This includes the greenhouse effect, over-use of freshwater resources, destruction of biodiversity, production of solid and biological waste and social issues. (Congratulations Kaikoura!)
In Taupo, the Lake Taupo programme works to reduce algae growth due to high nitrogen levels from stock effluent and urban wastewater. The programme is jointly funded by local and regional rates and government taxes. The fund is managed by the Lake Taupo Protection Trust which is answerable to the local councils, central government and the local iwi.
And right around the country, Zero Waste New Zealand Trust is a charitable trust which supports community organisations, councils, businesses, schools and individuals involved in waste minimisation and recycling. Since 1999, 70 percent of local authorities have adopted a Zero Waste policy and are aiming for Zero Waste by 2015.
Sustainable development is also about working together - the reason we are here today.
Here's just a few examples:
· Te Araroa - the long pathway - is a proposed 2020 kilometre single tramping track from the top to the bottom of New Zealand. Te Araroa is a partnership between three central government agencies and over 20 councils, as well as seven regional trusts and other volunteer track-making organisations within the community. The latest project - the Pirongia boardwalk, one of the longest boardwalks in New Zealand - was built by seven schools in the area.
· The Franklin Steel Mill partnership - New Zealand Steel's Glenbrook Mill - is the major employer in the Franklin district. Through regular meetings between the Franklin District Council and steel mill representatives, strong links between the Mill and the Council have developed. There are now plans to expand activities around the mill to benefit Franklin District. For instance, New Zealand Steel is a key sponsor of Franklin's new library, arts and cultural centre.
The progress being made reflects a commonsense approach to problem solving.
We understand now that we cannot do it alone.
Te Araroa - the long pathway - cannot be achieved without the input of schools, central and local government, community trusts and volunteers.
Neither would the efforts of the Lake Taupo programme be so effective if it didn't represent a team of central government, local government and Mäori.
By working together and sharing information with New Zealand Steel, Franklin District Council has been able to develop a rewarding working relationship with a key local business.
We can agree, central/ local government engagement - and engagement with our communities and other key stakeholders - around common agendas is paying off.
Looking ahead
There is however, still a way to go.
Looking ahead, a significant event later this year will be the local body elections.
For those of you in local government now is a good time to reflect on what you have learned over the past five years about community outcomes processes and to apply those learnings to working with new councillors.
At the same time, for both local and central government, today is a chance to reflect on what you have learned about working with each other.
There is still room to understand each other better and improve the ways we work together. More and more we deal with the growing challenge of diverse communities and engaging creative responses to youth development, regional economic opportunity, heritage protection, social advancement and environmental responsibility.
In some areas, we need to improve the ways we work in order to most effectively work with others!
Now is the time to really get stuck in to progressing community outcomes, to put the relationships that have been formed to work.
We also need to be able to check that what is being done is making a difference and report that difference back to the community.
To help with this, Statistics New Zealand and the Department of Internal Affairs released the Regional Stocktake in March this year.
The Stocktake identifies sub-regional monitoring information, how often it is collected and tells you where it can be accessed.
The Stocktake is one of the steps towards providing all of government support to community outcomes.
Closing
I thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today (on behalf of Minister Burton).
Today I have put our relationship building efforts in a sustainability context - focusing on why it is so important to engage across government, with our stakeholders and with the community.
In doing so, I have also put the New Zealand system of local government in a global context - we are leaders in recognising the role of local government in achieving sustainable development.
As we take this opportunity to reflect on progress and share our experience, we are successfully charting a course for the future.
Just as the adage goes - it's not so much the destination but the journey - I understand, as you do, the importance of people, and central and local government being committed to working together to support community well being.
Best wishes for a successful workshop!
Nö reira, tënä koutou, tënä koutou
Kia ora tatou katoa
Therefore, greetings
Greetings all.