Refreshed strategy for strengthening communities

A refreshed strategy for building strong, connected communities across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula has been approved by Christchurch City Council.

Community groups will play a big part in helping to deliver the strategy.

“I am proud of the work that has gone into the Te Haumako Te Whitingia Strengthening Communities Together Strategy,’’ says Cr Anne Galloway, who chaired the Hearing Panel that considered the public submissions on the draft strategy.

“Extensive consultations have helped us to sharpen our focus and we now have a blueprint to guide how we work with organisations, groups and communities across Christchurch to enable them to own their future and to feel connected and part of decision-making.

“The challenge now is to make sure that we back up our good intentions with actions.

“An implementation plan is being developed that will help us to embed the strategy across all parts of the Council so that we support and enable communities and give them more opportunities to be involved and influence local decision-making,’’ Cr Galloway says.

Christchurch has had a Strengthening Communities Strategy since 2007 but the city has changed dramatically in the intervening years, facing significant challenges like natural disasters, the terror attacks and pandemic.

“This refreshed strategy was developed to better align with current and anticipated community needs and aspirations. As our city grows and changes, so do the needs of our diverse communities – including the most vulnerable amongst us,’’ says Cr Galloway.

“The strategy reflects our continued commitment to building, in partnership with others, inclusive, safe and resilient communities.’’