10 Sep 2021

Christchurch City Council’s partnership-focused strategy for building strong, connected communities has been refreshed and is out for public feedback.

The Council has had a Strengthening Communities Strategy since 2007. It has been working collaboratively with the city’s diverse communities to help update it and address changes that have occurred since it was first launched.

Now, it is asking the public if they have got the renamed draft Ōtautahi Christchurch Community Strategy 2021-31 – and its implementation plan – right.

Korero mai | Have Your Say consultation opens today, 10 September, and runs until Monday 25 October 2021.

“The new draft strategy reflects our ongoing commitment to work with the many organisations, groups and people in our city to collaboratively build inclusive, safe and resilient communities,” says Council Head of Community Support, Governance and Partnerships John Filsell.

“We are keen to know if the draft Ōtautahi Christchurch Community Strategy 2021-31 has covered what our different, diverse communities have told us they want. We encourage as many groups and individuals to make a submission and let us know if there is anything we still need to add or consider. Everyone’s voice is important and valued.”

 The Council will take written submissions via its usual Have Your Say process but staff will also support groups or individuals who may need help with writing their feedback or prefer to make oral submissions.

Mr Filsell says a strategy refresh was needed because the city is growing and changing, and so are the needs and aspirations of our diverse communities.

“We also know our residents wanted a strategy that focuses more on outcomes, places greater emphasis on collaboration around issues our communities care about and has measurable goals and actions. Within the strategy we have included an implementation plan so people can see how we will achieve our aims.”

A number of drop-in sessions have been arranged as part of the consultation period, subject to any COVID-19 Alert Level changes and health and safety requirements.

  • Tuesday 21 September, 3-5pm, at Rārākau: Riccarton Centre, 199 Clarence Street, Riccarton Christchurch
  • Wednesday 22 September, 4-6pm, at New Brighton Community Board Room, 88 Marine Parade, North New Brighton, Christchurch
  • Thursday 23 September, 12-2pm, at Eastgate Mall, 20 Buckleys Road, Linwood, Christchurch
  • Thursday 23 September, 4-6pm, at Woolston Community Library, 689 Ferry Road, Woolston, Christchurch
  • Friday 24 September, 3-5pm, at Akaroa Four Square, 72 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa
  • Saturday 25 September, 10am-12pm, Lyttelton Markert, London Street, Lyttelton
  • Tuesday 28 September, 4-6pm, at Fendalton Library, 4 Jeffreys Road, Fendalton, Christchurch
  • Wednesday 29 September, 4-6pm, at South Christchurch Library, 66 Colombo Street, Cashmere, Christchurch

All feedback will be considered before a final version of the Ōtautahi Christchurch Community Strategy 2021-31 is presented to the Council for adoption in early 2022.