Signposts and milestones for region

 Taranaki’s progress towards its community goals is measured in a report released today (15 November).

The Future Taranaki Progress Report on Community Outcomes for Taranaki is the second since the goals were established four years ago in a massive consultation exercise by the region’s three District Councils and the Taranaki Regional Council.

Led by a facilitation group, Future Taranaki brings together the Councils, the Venture Taranaki Trust, the Taranaki District Health Board, Te Puni Kokiri and the Ministry of Social Development.

The community goals are broadly summarized under seven headings: Secure and Healthy Taranaki, Prosperous Taranaki, Skilled Taranaki, Connected Taranaki, Sustainable Taranaki, Together Taranaki and Vibrant Taranaki.

Using a set of statistical indicators, the latest scorecard shows mixed results so far in the journey towards these outcomes. Future Taranaki Facilitation Group chair Gloria Campbell, of the Ministry of Social Development, says the report recognizes strengths and achievements of the region and identifies and highlights issues that the community needs to work on.

It also reflects dedicated efforts by people in many organisations and agencies, not just those represented on the Future Taranaki Facilitation Group.

“Through the dedication and focused work of a number of people in from councils, government departments, professional groups and businesses and community organisations, the Future Taranaki Group has continued to work together to form networks and to provide vital information on our progress towards Taranaki’s community outcomes,” she says.

Publication of the report also marks the end of Ms Campbell’s term as chair of the Future Taranaki Facilitation Group, a duty that now passes to Taranaki District Health Board Chief Executive Tony Foulkes.

The report is available at the Taranaki Regional Council website, www.trc.govt.nz , and has also been summarized in a newsletter available at Council offices, libraries and i-SITES.