Northland Regional Plan 2008/2009
What Graham has to say
“I must also recognise the tireless work of the many non-government and community organisations that provide services to our most vulnerable people and families, often in remote, rural communities. It is only by working together on the region’s complex social issues that we can genuinely help Northland’s people build successful lives”.
Graham Macpherson
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 Northland’s important social issues.
Highlights of work include:
- strengthening relationship with the Taitokerau Iwi Chief Executive’s Consortium
- the Whangarei Youth Conference
- support of the Amokura Family Violence Prevention Strategy
- appointment of health and disability specialists
- the Whangarei pilot of the Differential Response Approach.
Key Priorities for 2008/2009
Give children the best start in life
Key programmes and initiatives include:
- focussing on children
- supporting families at home
- helping teenage parents of young children
- ensuring the right response at the right time
- helping children in our care to permanent homes
- promoting positive parenting.
Help young people achieve their potential
Key programmes and initiatives include:
- improving achievement among young Maori
- connecting young people
- encouraging the transition to learning or work
- building young people’s work skills
- mentoring young people
- addressing youth offending
- supporting young people with mental health issues.
Enable people to live independent lives
Key programmes and initiatives include:
- offering working opportunities
- strengthening partnerships with industry
- encouraging community entrepreneurs
- helping tertiary students make good decisions about study
- valuing our older people.
Support families and whānau to be safe and resilient
Key programmes and initiatives include:
- acting on family violence
- strengthening families
- identifying families with multiple and complex needs
- improving housing conditions
- enhancing families’ home and life skills.
Strengthen communities
Key programmes and initiatives include:
- strengthening community providers
- transforming Otangarei
- boosting businesses
- improving access to government services in smaller centres
- supporting local-level planning
- responding to natural disasters
- bringing services together in one place.
