Prime Minister visit supports Tamaki Transformation Programme
02 July 2009
Tamaki community leaders and residents discussed the recently launched $52 million first phase of the Tamaki Transformation urban renewal programme with Prime Minister John Key during a visit to the area today.
The Prime Minister, Minister of Housing Hon Phil Heatley, Minister of Māori Affairs Hon Dr Pita Sharples and Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Hon Georgina te Heuheu QSO were among the guests to be welcomed by the Tamaki community, in a powhiri at Ruapotaka Marae, Glen Innes.
The Tamaki-based event highlighted the strong support local and central government and governmental agencies have put behind the Programme.
"The Tamaki Transformation Programme, as a tremendously ambitious 20-year initiative, is about thinking and working differently. By acting boldly and working together in new ways we are determined to get better results for the people of Tamaki," says Pat Snedden, Tamaki Transformation Board Chair.
"We recognise the knowledge local people have about their area, the commitment they have to building on their strengths, and their community's aspirations. By working with them, we intend to see these aspirations translated into tangible results through the Programme."
As one of New Zealand's largest urban renewal projects, the 20-year Programme's first phase began in May. This phase of the Programme will see the modernisation of more than 80 homes, as well as the development of new housing sites by 2011.
However, says Mr Snedden, while better housing will improve the lives of many in the community, it is only one component of the Programme. Other Programme outcomes, complementary to better housing conditions, include improved health, education, employment, training and education opportunities.
According to Te Waipuna Puawai Mercy Oasis manager and Tamaki Inclusive Engagement Strategy (TIES) coordinator, Puamiria Maaka, there is community willingness to work with the Programme stakeholders to achieve these outcomes.
The community will participate in creating an overall plan for Tamaki, which includes housing, parks and reserves, transport, community services and infrastructure needs for the next 20 years.
"We believe now is the time for action and we want to work meaningfully with government stakeholders, through the Programme, so that together we make real changes on the ground," says Ms Maaka.
Glen Innes resident and Tamaki Transformation Board member, Neil Darragh adds: "To succeed, this Programme needs to make a positive difference to people's everyday lives, both today and into the future. We - government, agencies and the community - can only do this by working side by side through the life of the Programme."
About the Tamaki Transformation Programme
The New Zealand Government has invested $52 million as part of a huge urban renewal initiative - The Tamaki Transformation Programme (the Programme).
The Programme has been created to enable central and local government to pool resources, plan together and work in a new way with the people and businesses of Tamaki to deliver real results and positive change for local people.
Over the past decade, the people of Tamaki have been asked how they would like their community to develop. Central and local government agencies have listened and are now acting to help the Tamaki community achieve its goals, through the Programme.
The key stakeholders involved are: The Tamaki Community; Housing New Zealand Corporation; Ministry of Social Development; Auckland City Council; Auckland Regional Council; Auckland District Health Board; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Education; NZ Police; Te Puni Kokiri; and Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs.
By working together, across government with the community and the private sector, strengths and investments can be leveraged to change results in nine key areas. These are:
- Skills employment and economic development
- Housing
- Safety and security
- Environment and stability
- Education
- Health
- Identity and culture
- Social services
- Operations excellence.
Tamaki Transformation Programme: www.tamakitransformation.co.nz
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