July 2009

"We want to create a way of working as a whole community, agencies and us together that creates hope and optimism"

Georgie Thompson, Ruapotaka Marae, Tamaki talking about the potential of Tamaki Transformation

It was the kaumatua of Ruapotaka Marae who welcomed the Prime Minister and other Government Ministers to Tamaki on 2 July 2009.  Ruapotaka Marae is seen by many in Glen Innes and Pt England as being the 'heart and gateway' to those communities of Tamaki. The presence and leadership of mana whenua - Ngati Whatua Orakei and Ngati Paoa - added their mana to the proceedings, and showed their concern for and commitment to the communities of Tamaki.

So the Marae was a fitting place for those invited to discuss the recently launched $52 million first phase of Tamaki Transformation - an exciting urban renewal programme - with Prime Minister John Key during his visit to the area.

amaki Transformation is an opportunity for the community to work together with local and central government, and interested others, to deliver new and refurbished housing; create local jobs and training opportunities; improve parks and reserves; make the streets safer; lift the health of the residents and provide better delivery of services to the people of Tamaki. For more information on why Tamaki is the focus see www.hnzc.co.nz

The Prime Minister's visit to Tamaki highlighted the strong support of local people, local and central government and governmental agencies for 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 and Chair of Housing NZ.

"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."

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 is seeking to engage as an active partner working with government and others at all levels of the programme (governance, steering group, work streams etc.)".

Bob Wakefield, who has been working actively in Tamaki for many years through Sharat ministries, was formerly chair of Glen Innes Business Association and is now a member of the TIES team, pointed out the potential contribution of community members to Tamaki Transformation: "There's generations of knowledge and wisdom in our community waiting to be tapped to make this Programme a success, and help make the difference. It was so refreshing to find that our Prime Minster has a good grasp of community led development and believes that community driven, from the bottom up, is the way forward for future development. Our visit with the Prime Minster has left me with an enthusiastic confidence that the TIES Team has a strategic role in community led engagement with the Tamaki Transformation Programme".

About the Tamaki Transformation Programme

The first phase of implementing Tamaki Transformation began in May this year. This phase will see the modernisation of more than 80 homes, and 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".

"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.

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.

There is also a connection with Inspiring Communities. Inspiring Communities shares the same principles of:

• building on the strengths and assets within a community
• creative answers are more likely to come through people from multiple sectors working together, and
• the importance of systems change leading to durable solutions.

Tamaki-based, Alfred Ngaro of Inspiring Communities has actively worked with community organisations and government agencies to 'broker' opportunities with Tamaki Transformation.  Inspiring Communities has also supported the recording of TIES development, augmenting significant voluntary contribution from within and outside the community.  We are both exploring ways of developing this relationship further.

Puamiria Maaka reflected Tamaki interest when she invited the Prime Minister to listen out for the active engagement of community people and perspectives.  She said: "We look forward to seeing you again next year for you to see and hear about the progress being made".

Mary-Jane Rivers with generous contributions and photos from the TIES Team and Tamaki Transformation Programme Team

July 2009