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. This year was Rangitikei's turn and Council has submitted an application for a dedicated communtiy development resource for Marton. If successful Council will be seeking expressions of interest from local agencies to share this resource.
Marton Leisure Hub
A draft Reserve Management Plan for Wilson Park has prompted a much wider discussion within Marton about the use of its three main parks. Council is working with Sport Wanganui and a group of local organisations to investigate clustering sports facilities. Marton Aquatic Leisure Trust (MALT) is offering to take a lead role in the formation of a Steering Group.
Marton and Surrounds ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Hub
A partnership of six local organisations from public and private sector have submitted an application to the Communtiy Partnership Fund to develop an ICT training facility that will also offer pay-as-you-go internet access. The Hub will be based in Marton Library with a satellite at Ratana and a limited mobile capability. Other funding applications are currently resting with community trusts.
Support for Volunteering (Department of Internal Affairs)
This Central Government funding opportunity is an annual grant scheme which supports volunteers and volunteering (Support for Volunteering). Council has requested support for a three month research project to develop a database of district wide volunteering opportunities. The project will also assess a volunteering opportunities avaliable through the district's library services.
Taihape Leisure Hub
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 will use their plans as the basis for its Memorial Park Reserve Management Plan. Once this is drafted it will be subject to formal two month period of public consultation. Please click on the following link for more information: Taihape Community Development Trust
Trades Training School
Local economic development and tertiary education agencies have identified a need for a local training facility dedicated to supporting local young people to develop trades and other work skills. Use of Rangitikei College premises is currently being investigated and funding sought for a fit-out, including to the Youth Partnership Fund.
