Bay of Plenty Regional Plan 2008/2009
What Geoff Williams has to say
“The Bay of Plenty is a diverse region. We simply can’t take a one-solution-fits-all approach to regional issues. We strive to understand issues individuals and communities may be facing and will work with you to achieve tangible results, knowing we’re making a difference”.
Geoff Williams
Regional Commissioner for Social Development
Highlights of 2007/2008
In partnership with government agencies, individuals and organisations, a variety of initiatives and programmes have been developed to address the Bay of Plenty’s important social issues.
Highlights of work include:
- The appointment of health and disability specialists
- The appointment of a youth ambassador in Kawerau
- Establishment of a number of youth networks to provide young people with more ways to have their say
- Establishment of a new Family Start service in Taupo
- Establishment of the Early Years Hub in Murapara.
Key Priorities for 2008/2009
Give children the best start in life
Key programmes and initiatives include:
- helping parents do better
- building children’s success
- ensuring children enjoy a stable home
- improving agency and community response.
Help young people achieve their potential
Key programmes and initiatives include:
- helping young offenders
- supporting young people make better choices
- keeping students on the pathway to learning
- providing young people with a voice
- helping tertiary students make good decisions.
Enable people to live independent lives
Key programmes and initiatives include:
- supporting local employers
- offering working opportunities
- creating job opportunities to build older people’s independence
- reviewing our services to older people
- expanding SuperGold Card benefits.
Support families and whanau to be safe and resilient
Key programmes and initiatives include:
- helping families who experience violence
- encouraging a healthy community
- building healthy housing
- identifying families with multiple and complex needs
- bringing families and support agencies together.
Strengthen communities
Key programmes and initiatives include:
- strengthening community providers
- responding to the needs of our communities
- building a more holistic response
- improving our responsiveness to Maori
- Bringing services together in one place.
