Community Development
Council is aiming to support local communties to develop their own services and facilities to meet their locally defined needs. Council is seeking to increasingly work in partnership with other organisations and agencies to achieve this. The information below indicates some current initiatives:
Community Development Initiative (Department of Internal Affairs)
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) operates a grant scheme for community development (Community Development Scheme) targeting specific areas. Marton is currently benefiting from a dedicated community development officer, Travis White, who is working with a range of interested individuals and groups in four areas: community cohesion, pride in Marton, engaging young people and lifelong learning. Travis can be contacted through the Council and is interested to hear from anyone with ideas for community development.
Town Co-ordinators
Council works with local community economic development agencies in the main towns of Bulls, Marton and Taihape with funding to support Town Centre Co-ordinators. Bronwyn Meads in Bulls, Belinda Howard in Marton and Elizabeth Mortland in Taihape operate across a range of groups and projects to help maintain vibrant, living communities in our main centres.
Marton and Surrounds ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Hub
A partnership of four local organisations have successfully raised funding from the Communtiy Partnership Fund, LBS Dudding Trust and the Whanganui Community Foundation to develop an ICT training facilities, that also offer pay-as-you-go internet access. The Hubs are being based in Marton Library and the Old Post Office in Ratana.
Taihape Leisure Centre
A group initiated through the Taihape Community Development Trust has been working with local stakeholders to develop the facilities at Memorial Park. A steering group comprising current users of the park, Taihape Area School and Taihape Community Board have agreed a site plan and are working on architects briefs and funding programs. The Council have included these ideas in its Memorial Park Reserve Management Plan. Please click on the following link for more information: Taihape Community Development Trust.
