RUATORIA. township development plan

Transcription

1 RUATORIA township development plan April 2008

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3 Tena koutou Township plans are an important tool for our community. It was pleasing to see a good number of interested community people participate in the township meetings, and I thank you all for the wonderful ideas you have contributed. I am particularly pleased to see so many of our young people making a contribution. As we say, they are our future and what a wonderful opportunity for them to get involved now. The Councillors and I appreciated your ideas and we say thank you, you make our job easier by telling us what you hope for. It is great to dream and put those ideas onto paper. We need to have courage to explore new ideas that will meet the needs of the township, ones that will allow us to stand out as a unique and special community in which to live and visit. From now it takes action - an action plan I am committed to with your agreement. I look forward to the progress we are going to make in your township, and we hope that your community will be inspired to do more and complement what has been proposed. Be inspired, be courageous, and most importantly of all, take action. Thank you all, we look forward to working with you. Meng Foon Mayor, Gisborne District 1

4 Acknowledgements Thanks to the following people who contributed to the development of the Plan: Agnes Walker Alex Reedy Aroha Mills Bernie Bill Burdett Connie and Prince Ferris Eddie Keelan Frances Young Georgina Narayan Gina Hikurangi Foodmarket Hilda Tawhai Hinetu Dell Jenny Rose Jimmy Aupouri Jimmy Hills John Moke Justina and Rob Montgomery Marijke Warmenhoven Mary Chaffey Maryanne Barton Maui Whangapirita Mereana Mataira Monty Manuel Morehu Te Maro (Papa Boycie) Ollie and Eddie Clarke Paul Reid Pia Pohatu Radio Ngati Porou Reweti Blue Kaiwai Roimata and Rex Mangu Rongopai Paenga Ruby Mangu Suman Te Puni Taiki Kennedy Tautohe Kupenga Te Ao Rangiuaia Te Kahurangi Patuwai Tui Takarangi Tui Warmenhoven Many thanks to APR Consultants Ltd for assisting with the development of the Ruatoria Township Development Plan 2

5 Contents Foreword 1 Acknowledgements 2 Introduction 4 Ruatoria Township Map 6 Ruatoria People 7 Visions Statements, Key Goals and Priority Projects 9 OUR CULTURE AND IDENTITY EXPRESSED 10 A THRIVING AND ACTIVE COMMUNITY 12 AN EMPOWERED COMMUNITY 14 Background Information 16 Appendix 1: Other Ideas 18 Appendix 2: GDC Implementation Estimates 22 3

6 Introduction The Ruatoria Township Development Plan (2008) captures the Ruatoria community s long-term vision for Ruatoria township. The Plan is a living document with the potential to evolve with the support of the Ruatoria community. Community engagement The Gisborne District Council (GDC) wanted to draw on the knowledge and experience of the Ruatoria community in preparing the Plan so several public engagement tools were used to encourage a range of people to take part in the process: open day; strategic planning workshop; ideas box at Hikurangi Foodmarket; design workshop; and an opportunity for written submissions. GDC sought out the thoughts of Ruatoria community members on several questions: what are the key values that make Ruatoria a great place to live and what do you want to protect about your town; what would you like to see change about your town; and what do you want Ruatoria to be like in 20 years time? Content of the Plan The community identified three Vision Statements that form the basis of the Township Development Plan. Our culture and identity expressed A thriving and active community An empowered community The Plan describes each Vision Statement in terms of Key Goals. The community has identified five Priority Projects for the township to be achieved over the next few years. All other ideas identified during community engagement are listed in the Appendix. 4

7 Community commitment This is an expression of the community s aspirations for the future and will need to be driven by a cohesive and concerted community effort. Gisborne District Council commitment The Plan will guide GDC in planning for the future development and viability of Ruatoria over the next 20 years. The Plan will be an important consideration in the development of Council s Long Term Council Community Plan and will also be considered by all GDC staff where their activities may have an effect on the Ruatoria community. Appendix 2 is a table of GDC implementation estimates. For each priority project/action, it identifies if there is funding available in Council s Long Term Council Community Plan. It also identifies which department within Council is responsible for implementation. Where no funding is currently allocated, this will need to be considered for inclusion during future reviews of the Long Term Council Community Plan and Annual Plan. Where GDC can work with the community and other agencies to meet the goals, it will. A lot of ideas were submitted that are beyond the capability and mandate of GDC alone, for example, appropriate business and employment opportunities. GDC will forward copies of the Plan to relevant agencies to encourage them to follow up in areas where they may be able to work with the community or other agencies to help achieve the community priorities. 5

8 Ruatoria township Waiapu River Whakarua Park Uepohatu Marae Kura Kaupapa O Te Waiu O Ngati Porou Ngata Colllege Commercial Zone Ruatoria Reserve 6

9 Ruatoria people 7

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11 Ruatoria people Vision Statements Key Goals Priority Projects 9

12 Vision Statement Our Culture and Identity Expressed The majority of the township residents identify themselves as Maori. The community see it as important to build on traditions, uphold local values and have local Maori culture and identity expressed throughout the town. For the Ruatoria community expressing the culture and identity of Ruatoria would involve the following Key Goals: Key Goals Name places, roads etc to reflect local history and culture Create a beautiful and unique townscape that reflects local Maori culture Ensure meaningful community consultation on the design of town features Priority Projects Reinstatement of traditional Maori place names Apply to the New Zealand Geography Board for the reinstatement of the traditional name and spelling to Rua-aTorea. Community Have the name of the Ruatoria Reserve formally recognised by GDC as Puawaitanga Park. Community 10

13 Mainstreet upgrade and beautification Prioritise works for beautification including: establishing a small native garden with seating GDC constructing a picnic table in the main street in the shape of a waka with shade sails overhead Community/ GDC erecting a poupou with a carved name and welcome sign in Maori/English Community/ GDC removing existing trees from the main road (currently causing issues with the road pavement) and replace with native trees on the river side of the street off the road GDC completing paving of footpaths GDC improving presentation of buildings in the town centre Community completing negotiations to establish a Landowners/ stock route around the main street to GDC ensure it stays clean installing hitching posts at both ends of town. GDC Encourage community members to work towards a rubbish-free town and looking after Papatuanuku, including regular community working bees to collect rubbish/clean up the town. Community mainstreet 11

14 Vision Statement A Thriving and Active Community The population of Ruatoria township is 756. Ruatoria has a relatively young population with one third of the population aged 14 years or under. For the Ruatoria community a thriving and active community would involve the following Key Goals: Key Goals Appropriate community opportunities business and employment Safe and appropriate recreation facilities for children of all ages Regular, organised community events for all ages Improvements and expansion of facilities to support community development A healthy community Excellent infrastructure to support community needs Protection of and from the environment particularly the Waiapu River 12

15 Priority Projects Community Recreation Centre Build a community recreation centre to Community/ cater for all ages and activities. Options to Schools/ be investigated include: EC Trust/ NZ Lotteries Use an existing building in the township Work with schools to provide a joint facility Align community facility with Gisborne YMCA Develop existing proposal for the East Coast Indoor Sports Centre (a multipurpose facility within the Ruatoria Reserve). Community recreation centre to be run by an elected community committee and hall users to pay the cost of electricity and usegenerated expenses. Community River Protection Works Divert Waiapu River within the next 5 years to ensure flooding does not affect Ruatoria. GDC is currently investigating options for works and a temporary cut has been made in the river bed to redirect water flow away from the township. GDC Consider how protection works can deepen the channel and create recreation opportunities (waka ama/kayaking). GDC Use local knowledge of the river and local contractors for works. GDC Plant (native) trees alongside riverbank and Community/ on Manutahi Hill to help slow erosion. GDC/ Biodiversity Condition Fund 13

16 Vision Statement An Empowered Community For the Ruatoria community an empowered community would involve the following Key Goals: Key Goals The community is actively engaged in decisions affecting it A cohesive community Priority Project Community committee Re-establish community committee formally known as Te Puawaitanga o Ruatorea Trust to have regular hui and drive initiatives from this plan. Community 14

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18 Background Statistics Population The population of Ruatoria Township is 756 people. Ruatoria has a relatively young population with one third of the population aged 14 years or under. The majority of the township residents identify themselves as Maori, while around 15% identify as European. 70.0% Age Profile of Ruatoria (% of population) % of Patutahi population 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 14 years or under 15 to 64 years 65 years or over Business & Employment There are a number of retail and service businesses in Ruatoria, as well as community facilities such as schools, marae, churches and sports clubs. The main sectors of employment in the township are in the primary industries (mainly farming). 16

19 Households There are 225 occupied dwellings in Ruatoria Township. Two thirds of households are single family households. Around forty percent of Ruatoria households are couples with children, while a similar number are solo parent households. Total household income is less than $50,000 per year for around half of all households. Around two thirds of all households have access to a telephone and half have access to a mobile phone, while around a quarter of all households have access to the internet. % of Patutahi population 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Household Composition of Ruatoria (% of population) Couple without Children Couple with Children Solo Parent Households 17

20 Appendix 1: Other ideas identified by community members Vision Statement Our Culture and Identity Expressed Demolish old unused buildings that cannot be restored (eg, old picture theatre, Carlyle Building) Develop a five kilometre walking track Manutahi Walkway. Consider adapting for other users such as cyclists and mobility scooter users Develop a town wide education programme around waste disposal and recycling Employ a cultural resource person to work with the community Establish a whare wananga in the area, perhaps at a local marae (Rouru Marae suggested) Install a drinking fountain in garden area of the town centre Install recycling units in all schools with appropriate education programme Investigate moving the corrections centre to the area by the courthouse Investigate the viability of the development of a cantilever balcony / deck over trees on the west side of the main road Shops advertising with blinking neon signs Strengthen connections to the Tairawhiti Heritage Trail Vision Statement A Thriving and Active Community Address concerns that rates do not equate with property resale values and that equivalent services are not provided Build a footpath around the RSA Building Build a second block of public toilets at the southern end of town Carry out a feasibility study for establishment of underground water supply for township Change the policy that allows metal to be taken out of Waiapu River Cover open drains Create employment opportunities Customers to insist on improved professionalism of services Designate an area for social deviants Develop a community lending library Develop a series of activities / events and corresponding calendar of events Develop an information centre (manned eight hours per day) Develop an off-road / mountain biking track and BMX track 18

21 Discuss arrangement with Gisborne District Council to assist with maintenance costs for Whakarua Park Employ a community events and sports co-ordinator (CESC) Employ a local warden to work with rangitahi Encourage sensible drinking, particularly during winter months Encourage a drug-free town Encourage increased business development, of appropriate businesses, in the town. Suggested business types include banks, a post office, Laundromat, internet café, commercial cleaner, native nursery, hairdresser, beautician, transport and taxi services and tourism and accommodation services Encourage sustainable use of natural resources for business (ie, olive plantations and vineyards Ngati Porou owned) Encourage tax and business incentives for people starting / buying a business (and / or facilities) Enforce a liquor ban in public streets Ensure curb and channel is adequate to protect individual properties Enhance tourism opportunities Ensure adequate housing for all residents Ensure any business development is sustainable economically, environmentally, socially and culturally Fill in the open drain along Tuparoa Road Fill in pot holes caused by logging trucks Foster increased employment opportunities alongside business development Golf driving range at Whakarua Park or Ngata College field Identify alternative location for Heartlands open days as residents dislike going to the courthouse for this service. Change the name of the courthouse Improve / install new footpaths in the town centre Improve communications between Gisborne District Council and the Ruatoria community Improve dog control Improve monitoring of water supply to ensure summer shortages do not occur Improve quality of Ruatoria water supply Improve response time to queries / requests for service Improve street lighting in the town centre Improved car parking facilities for health clinic Increased enforcement regarding bylaws Install a sign post at the Opotiki turnoff to encourage visitors to stop in Ruatoria Install another information board in the rest area Install sign posts for all local marae Install sign posts for local accommodation providers Install speed hump to slow traffic in the town centre Install stop signs and give ways signs as appropriate Install pedestrian crossings as appropriate 19

22 Investigate business opportunity to use an old bus as a diner / restaurant Investigate viability of a Flying Doctors service for the East Coast Investigate viability of developing a small picture theatre Investigate viability of developing dedicated car parking areas with parking meters Investigate viability of refurbishing courthouse complex into a sport complex Investigate viability of subsidising costs of water tanks Investigate viability of various alternative energy options (ie, wind, water and solar) Link Ruatoria to a town water supply Lobby for changes to be made to the ambulance service to ensure patients are taken home when discharged Lobby for heavier penalties for illegal drug use / sale Lobby for Ruatoria to become gambling-machine free Lobby relevant central government agencies to improve existing services and provide new services in the town (eg, WINZ) Lobby telecommunications providers for improved cell coverage in the area Lobby telecommunications providers to alter the free calling area to include Ruatoria and Gisborne in the same area Maintain playground and surrounds (eg, maintenance of broken equipment and regular clean ups of area for broken glass and rubbish) Pull old buildings down Re-align the road on Ngarimu Hill Redevelop Ngata Memorial College e.g. refurbish gymnasium Reinstate road to Tikitiki and scenic route to East Cape Lighthouse through Ruatoria Remove noxious weeds (privet). Possible to use WINZ work schemes Seal all unsealed roads close to Ruatoria, e.g. Bowling Green Road, McClutchie Road, CrossRoad, Factory Road Stimulate economic vitality Upgrade playground to Gisborne standards Vision Statement An Empowered Community Develop a local advocacy centre Encourage government agencies to improve their communication, coordination and consultation for the benefit of the community Encourage increased youth involvement in community meetings and decision making and encourage local youth to create and drive their own community initiatives Encourage locals to become involved in tourism development and to celebrate the uniqueness of the township Improve community communication - develop a monthly community newsletter and install a vandal-proof notice board in town Organise a regular Farmers Market of local wares to bring the wider community together Work towards a working bi-cultural society first, and then work towards multi-culturalism 20

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24 Appendix 2: Gisborne District Council Implementation Estimates April 2008 Priority Projects Mainstreet upgrade and beautification GDC Team Responsible Estimated Cost Current LTCCP Funding Establish a public native garden on Waiomatatini Road. To include a picnic table shaped like a waka and shade sails overhead Parks and Reserves (lead) $40,000 (set up cost) $1,000 (annually) Remove existing trees form the main road and replace with well-spaced native trees on the river side of the street off the road Parks and Reserves (lead) $10,000 (set up cost) $1,000 (annually) Complete paving of the footpaths in the main street Roading (lead) Negotiate a stock route around the main street to ensure it stays clean Roading (lead) Install hitching posts at both ends of town Parks and Reserves (lead) Erect a poupou with a carved name and welcome sign in Maori/English Parks and Reserves Rename the Ruatoria Reserve as Puawaitanga Park (lead) Maori Liaison (support) $10,000 (set up cost) $5,000 (set up costs) $2,000 (annually) $10,000 (set $1,000 up costs) (establish sign) $1,000 (annually) Community committee Re-establish Te Puawaitanga O Ruatorea Trust to drive initiatives from this plan GDC Team Responsible Parks and Reserves Community Development (support) Estimated Cost Current LTCCP Funding 22

25 Community recreation centre GDC Team Responsible Estimated Cost Current LTCCP Funding Build a community recreation centre to cater for all ages and activities. Users pay for use-related costs. Options to investigate include: Use an existing building in the township Work with schools to provide a joint facility Align community facilities with Gisborne YMCA Develop existing proposal for the East Coast indoor Sports Centre Community Development/ Parks and Reserves (support) $5,000 (investigation) Capital costs from funding agencies Erect a poupou with a carved name and welcome sign in Maori/English Parks and Reserves (lead) Maori Liaison (support) $10,000 (set up cost) $1,000 (annually) River protection works GDC Team Responsible Estimated Cost Current LTCCP Funding Divert Waiapu River within the next 5 years to ensure flooding does not affect Ruatoria. Consider how any protection works can deepen the channel and create recreation opportunities (waka ama/kayaking). Use local knowledge of the river and local contractors for works. Rivers and Drainage (lead) $1,000,000 (investigation and construction) Waiapu flood control $300,000 (2009) Plant (native) trees alongside riverbank and on Manutahi Hill to help slow erosion. Rivers and Drainage/ Conservation (lead) $20,000 (set up cost) $1,000 (annually) Reinstatement of traditional Maori place names GDC Team Responsible Estimated Cost Current LTCCP Funding Apply to the NZ Geography Board for the reinstatement of the traditional name and spelling to Rua-a-Torea Maori Liaison (lead) Rename the Ruatoria Reserve as Puawaitanga Park Parks and Reserves (lead) $1,000 (sign cost) Operational signs $2,000 annually across the District 23

26 Gisborne District Council Implementation Estimates April 2008 Other Ideas Description of Idea and Council Department Responsible Economic Development Encourage appropriate business development that is economically, environmentally, socially and culturally sustainable. Suggested business types include banks, a post office, Laundromat, internet café, commercial cleaner, native nursery, hairdresser, beautician, transport and taxi services and tourism and accommodation service Estimated Cost Additional staff 0.25 FTE $10,000 (annually) (Advocacy and training) LTCCP Funding Investigate viability of various alternative energy options (ie, wind, water and solar) $3,000 Organise a regular Farmers Market of local wares to bring the wider community together $10,000 (set up cost) $2,000 (annually) Provision of site) Animal Control Improve dog control Increase of level of service (Education and enforcement) Conservation Improve monitoring of water supply to ensure summer shortages do not occur $50,000 (annually) (Monitoring and catchment management plan) Remove noxious weeds (privet). Possible to use WINZ work schemes Increase of level of service (Education and enforcement) 24

27 Description of Idea and Council Department Responsible Community Development Develop a series of activities / events and corresponding calendar of events Employ a community events and sports co-ordinator (CESC) Employ a local warden to work with rangitahi Encourage increased youth involvement in community meetings and decision making and encourage local youth to create and drive their own community initiatives Estimated Cost Additional staff 0.25 FTE $10,000 (annually) LTCCP Funding Environmental Health Investigate ways to improve the quality of Ruatoria water supply, including feasibility of establishing underground water supply for the township and the feasibility of subsidizing costs of safe water tanks $25,000 (investigation) Develop a town-wide education programme around waste disposal and recycling including installing recycling units in all schools with appropriate education programme $5,000 (set up cost) $500 (annually) Education facility enhancement $3,000 annually across the District Ensure adequate housing for all residents Increase of level of service Additional staff 0.25 FTE $10,000 (annually) (Monitoring and enforcement) Natural Resources Policy Change the policy that allows metal to be taken out of Waiapu River Change to District Plan $10,000 District Plan $26,000 (2008) across the District 25

28 Description of Idea and Council Department Responsible Estimated Cost LTCCP Funding Roading Build a footpath around the RSA Building $20,000 Cover open drains especially open drains on Tuparoa Road Increase of level of service Install new footpaths in the town centre including paving footpaths in the main street $100,000 Improve street lighting in the town centre Increase of level of service Install pedestrian crossings and speed hump as appropriate Increase of level of service Install sign posts for all local marae Increase of level of service Install stop signs and give ways signs as appropriate Increase of level of service Investigate viability of car parking areas with parking meters $2,000 (investigations) Reinstate road to Tikitiki and scenic route to East Cape Lighthouse through Ruatoria New unsealed road $1,500,000 (set up cost) Seal all unsealed roads close to Ruatoria $200,000 Unsubsidised seal $150,000 biennially across the District Corporate Affairs Improve response time to queries / requests for service Increase of level of service Insist on improved professionalism of services from government agencies and GDC Increase of level of service Strategic Policy Encourage government agencies to improve their communication, coordination and consultation for the benefit of the community Increase of level of service Advice and consultation $375,000 annually across the District 26

29 Description of Idea and Council Department Responsible Estimated Cost LTCCP Funding Parks and Reserves Build a second block of public toilets at the southern end of town $30,000 (set up cost) $5,000 (annually) Main block upgraded 2007 Block at end of Tuparoa Rd $29,000 (2009) Install a drinking fountain in garden area of the town centre $ 50,000 (set up cost) $10,000 (annually ) Install a vandal-proof notice board in town $5,000 (set up cost) Completed Feb 2008 Install a cantilever deck over trees on the west side of the main road $25,000 (set up cost) $5,000 (annually) Develop a five kilometre walk/cycle track Manutahi Walkway and offroad mountain biking track and BMX track Maintain playground and surrounds (eg, maintenance of broken equipment and regular clean ups of area for broken glass and rubbish) $150,000 (set up cost) $10,000 (annually) Increase of level of service Councillor Address concerns that rates do not equate with property resale values Discuss arrangement with Gisborne District Council to assist with maintenance costs for Whakarua Park Encourage tax and business incentives for people starting / buying a business (and / or facilities) Improve communications between Gisborne District Council and the Ruatoria community 27