Community Plan 2009-2019

C1 Effective, efficient, safe and reliable infrastructure is provided and maintained (Outcome Statement).

We have listed all the Community Outcomes in the next few pages and these are then referred to in each activity section of the plan.

Connected

A district that delivers accessible and integrated infrastructure, transport and communication systems which meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.

C1 Effective, efficient, safe and reliable infrastructure is provided and maintained.

C2 High-quality communication systems, information technologies and distribution networks.

C3 The land transport system is safe and responsive.

C4 The strategic value of the region's state highways is recognised and provided for and local roading networks are maintained and enhanced where appropriate.

C5 The capabilities of Port Taranaki and the region's airport and rail network to service the needs of the region are maintained and, where appropriate, enhanced.

C6 The public transport system is reliable, safe and accessible to all who need it.Return to top

Prosperous

A district that boasts a sustainable, resilient and innovative economy that prospers within the natural and social environment.

P1 Taranaki is an attractive place to work, do business and to visit.

P2 The region is a birthplace of innovation and ideas, where technological developments and opportunities for added value are capitalised on.

P3 Taranaki's strengths are recognised and diversification of agriculture, business and industry is valued and encouraged.

P4 There is a high level of employment and adequate incomes for all.

P5 Development and population growth in the region is encouraged but managed in a manner that does not compromise the natural or social environment.

P6 People are confident and are happy to invest in the future.

P7 The place of Maori in the local economy is supported.

Secure and Healthy

A district that provides a safe, healthy and friendly place to live, work or visit.

S&H1 There is equality of access to a comprehensive range of high-quality health and disability services when required.

S&H2 The environmental, physical and mental health of the people of Taranaki is maintained, enhanced, promoted and protected.

S&H3 A well-being model for health is promoted in the region, where people are encouraged to take ownership of their health to promote good health outcomes.

S&H4 There is adequate and affordable housing for all.

S&H5 Residents and visitors of all ages feel safe and crime is reduced.

S&H6 A sustainable management approach is taken to hazards and risks across the areas of reduction, readiness, response and recovery.

S&H7 Taranaki is a friendly and welcoming place.

S&H8 Monitor and respond to local health statistics.

Skilled

A district that values and supports learning so all people can play a full and active role in social, cultural and economic life.

SK1 Learning and the creation of knowledge is valued.

SK2 High-quality education and training opportunities exist with strong links between businesses, schools and training institutions. There is excellent pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary education with superb teachers and literary programmes.

SK3 A wide range of innovative education, training and cultural opportunities are accessible to people of all ages.

SK4 A supportive and responsive learning environment exists where people are encouraged to participate.

SK5 The workforce has the skills to meet the needs of the region's employers.

SK6 Monitor and respond to Māori achievements in education.Return to top

Sustainable

A district that appreciates its natural environment and its physical and human resources in planning, delivery and protection.

SU1 There is sustainable use, development and protection of resources.

SU2 Taranaki's land and soil, water, air and coast, its biodiversity and its natural features and landscapes are understood, valued, maintained and enhanced for future generations.

SU3 Animal and plant pest and biosecurity risks in the region are appropriately managed.

SU4 Taranaki's heritage is identified, recognised and protected.

SU5 Built environments and amenities are of a high standard and contribute significantly to the well-being of people and communities.

SU6 People are valued and their contribution to the economic, cultural, environmental and social well-being of the region is recognised and supported.

SU7 Sustainable development is encouraged.

SU8 Kaitiakitanga (the protection and management of the environment) is understood and valued.

Together

A district that is caring, inclusive and works together and where people have a strong, distinctive sense of identity.

T1 All people feel valued and supported within a caring community and have a sense of equality and belonging.

T2 A cohesive, united community exists based on strong relationships between people from different cultures, communities and organisations. Multi-ethnic diversity is celebrated and different cultural values are respected.

T3 The place of Māori is recognised and respected. Relationships that are mutually beneficial are built between Māori and the wider community.

T4 People from all sectors of the community are able and encouraged to contribute to their communities, and opportunities to participate are enhanced.

T5 Cooperation, collaboration and coordination between agencies, organisations and councils occur to avoid duplication of resources, minimise red tape and promote a consistent focus.

T6 Taranaki people have a strong sense of place. The special significance of Mount Taranaki to the people of Taranaki and its role in Taranaki's identity is recognised and provided for.

T7 There is a sense of community where local distinctiveness and diversity are valued and allowed to thrive.

T8 The Taranaki "brand" is recognised nationally and internationally.

T9 The Treaty of Waitangi is recognised and respected.

Vibrant

A district that provides high-quality and diverse cultural and recreational experiences and where independence and creativity are encouraged.

V1 People have access to, and are encouraged to participate in, a wide range of high-quality recreational, leisure, art and cultural activities.

V2 The region has high-quality public amenities and facilities.

V3 Individual responsibility, independence and creativity are encouraged.

V4 All people have access to local services and facilities.

V5 There is safe, convenient and affordable access to the natural environment and public access to the region's coastal marine area, lakes and rivers is maintained and where practical enhanced.

V6 Support and celebrate all cultures.Return to top

Taranaki's progress report on achieving the desired outcomes of the community

A central requirement of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act) is the identification of 'community outcomes' by local authorities. In addition to this under section 92 of the Act councils are required to "monitor and, not less than once every three years, report on the progress made by the community of its district or region in achieving the community outcomes for the district or region".

The Community Outcomes were identified by the people of Taranaki through an extensive survey and questionnaire process. The Community Outcomes are intended to reflect what is important to members of the community in terms of social, economic, environmental and cultural issues.

The four local authorities in Taranaki agreed to a joint approach to the process of reviewing progress on community outcomes. The review process was facilitated through the Future Taranaki Facilitation Group producing the 'Future Taranaki three yearly progress report on community outcomes for Taranaki 2008'. The report collected information from various sources including: Statistics New Zealand, Venture Taranaki, New Zealand Police, Housing New Zealand, the Ministry of Social Development's Social Report 2008, Taranaki District Health Board, 2006/07 New Zealand National Health Survey, AMP Home Affordability Index, National Bank Trend Reports, Ministry of Education, Tertiary Commission, Department of Internal Affairs, Work and Income New Zealand, Land Transport New Zealand and state of the environment monitoring carried out by the Taranaki Regional Council. The report used the following set of indicators to monitor trends across seven areas of people's lives (the Community Outcomes).

Connected indicators

1. Phone (including cell) and internet connection and coverage (people and area).
2. Number of road-based fatalities and injuries.
3. Level of investment in infrastructure as percentage of value of asset.
4. Percentage of population that has access to public transport.
5. Community survey - satisfaction with infrastructure, transport and communication systems.

Prosperous indicators

1. Regional GST.
2. Economic activity - National Bank.
3. Employment rate.
4. Unemployment rate.
5. Income - average earning, average weekly income, median household income.
6. Business confidence.
7. Net business growth by industry type - number of businesses, FTEs.

Secure and Healthy indicators

1. Housing availability.
2. Housing affordability.
3. Recorded crime.
4. Percentage change in youth offending.
5. Survey of key personnel in community.
6. Percentage of residents within 30 minutes of a primary care provider.
7. GP ratio to population.
8. Rates for smoking, alcohol use and type II diabetes.
9. Nutrition and physical activity.
10. Non-intentional injury.
11. Average life expectancy at birth.
12. Community survey - percentage of people satisfied with health services and perceptions of safety.

Skilled indicators

1. Highest level of education/vocational qualification obtained.
2. Percentage of Year 11 students who attain NCEA level 1 qualification and percentage of school leavers with no qualifications.
3. Percentage of children participating in early childhood education.
4. Number of people participating in continuing education or training.
5. Skill shortages survey.

Sustainable indicators

1. Sustainable land use.
2. Number of key indicator species and population changes.
3. Water quality - fresh water and coastal.
4. Water availability - proportion of fresh water allocated for consumptive use.
5. Air quality.
6. Loss/gain of significant protected heritage items.
7. Community survey - satisfaction with management of natural and built environment. Return to top

Together indicators

1. Percentage of population participating in the voluntary sector.
2. Community survey - percentage of people who report perceived discrimination/exclusion.
3. Community survey - percentage of people who agree that local effectiveness and pride in the region exist, are valued and thriving.
4. Percentage of people reporting that Taranaki is an inclusive, caring and tolerant community.
5. Community survey - percentage of Māori who report examples of positive relationships with the Taranaki community.

Vibrant indicators

1. Percentage of voter turnout.
2. Community survey - satisfaction with access to, the condition of and suitability of community facilities.
3. Percentage of participation in sport, leisure, arts and culture and/or community activities/events.
4. Community survey - satisfaction with work/life balance.
5. Community survey - percentage of people who think Taranaki is a vibrant place to live/visit (community and visitor surveys).

The report is the third in a series of reports that will assess New Plymouth District's and the region of Taranaki's progress towards achieving the desired outcomes of the community. The review covers the following Community Outcomes - Connected, Prosperous, Secure and Healthy, Skilled, Sustainable, Together and Vibrant.

Key issues and areas where action needs to be taken

Connected

The region has made good progress in the Connected Community Outcome with access to the internet improving, however this needs to continue as we are still 5% behind the national average. The Council is working with New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and other partners on matters relating to the Transport Strategy for the region and improving access to the area.

Prosperous

There has been good progress on the Prosperous Community Outcome with the region having achieved record growth year on year. This has shown that the region often punches above its weight in economic terms. However, there has been a significant slow down in growth from September 2008 in line with the national and international economic downturn.

Secure and Healthy

There has been good progress on the Secure and Healthy Community Outcome with a decrease in the number of families on the Housing New Zealand waiting list and home affordability has improved in the last year.

Skilled

There has been some progress on the Skilled Community Outcome although the region still faces challenges with its skill base. In comparison to other regions, Taranaki had the lowest rate for educational attainment of the population 25-64. However, over the last five years NCEA Level 1 attainment has been consistently higher than the national average.

Sustainable

The region has made significant progress on the Sustainable Community Outcome. The district has good to excellent water quality on most measures. New Plymouth District Council has gained and held Blue Flag accreditation on three beaches in its district (Oakura, Fitzroy and East End) and the coastal walkway named as the world's best environmentally sustainable project for 2008.

Together

There has been good progress towards the Together Community Outcome. The region is seen as an inclusive, caring and tolerant community.

Seventy-five per cent of Māori residents in New Plymouth District reported positive relationships between Māori and non Māori.

Vibrant

Significant progress has been made on the Vibrant Community Outcome with 79 per cent of New Plymouth District residents satisfied with their work/life balance and 89 per cent saying New Plymouth District is a vibrant place to live.Return to top

Summary of Taranaki's progress report

Information from the 'Future Taranaki three yearly progress report on community outcomes for Taranaki 2008' is outlined below under the relevant Community Outcomes.

Connected

Being able to communicate and interact easily helps maintain social connectedness and increases the size of the domestic market for local trading. In March 2006, 91.3 per cent of Taranaki households recorded that they had access to telephone in their home. This compared to the national rate for telephone access being 91.6 per cent. Full cell phone coverage in Taranaki is only available in the major townships throughout the region. In March 2006 54.5 per cent of Taranaki households recorded they had access to the internet. The national average for internet access was 60.5 per cent.

The level of investment in infrastructure as a percent of the value of assets provides a useful predictor of future road quality. For the 2006/07 period local roads expenditure for the Taranaki region totalled $31,092,800. Total roading as valued by the district councils totalled $1,383,729,000.

Seventy-two per cent of residents were willing to express a level of satisfaction with public transport. In terms of communication systems, 70 per cent of the residents in Taranaki are satisfied with the coverage and quality. Twenty-one per cent of residents surveyed in New Plymouth District said they were dissatisfied with communication systems.

Prosperous

Taranaki topped year-on-year growth in New Zealand recording a growth rate of 2.6 per cent. The above national growth has largely been due to the key industries of oil and gas and agriculture that drive the Taranaki economy. However, the quarterly percentage change for September 2008 dropped to -1.9 per cent. This reflected the national and global economic downturn. The number of employees in the Taranaki region stood at 59,500 in September 2008 with an employment rate of 66.2 per cent for the year to September 2008. This was above the national employment rate of 65.8 per cent for the same period. The regions unemployment rate stood at 3.2 per cent for the same period. Taranaki employees earned an average of $23.49 per hour or had an average weekly income of $705.00 per week. As at June 2007, the median household income for Taranaki was $62,244 per year.

Business confidence is a key indicator of current and future business behaviour and growth. In Venture Taranaki's six-monthly survey of businesses the following results were recorded. In terms of the New Zealand economy 65.5 per cent predicted that general business conditions in New Zealand would decline. In terms of industry specific conditions 45 per cent of the 206 businesses participating in the survey said conditions may decline, 38.2 per cent believed stability would prevail and 15.5 per cent anticipated improvement.

Secure and Healthy

As at 30 September 2008, the number of Housing New Zealand properties (owned and leased) in the Taranaki region stood at 1,269 and 180 families were recorded on the Housing New Zealand waiting list. This represents a nine per cent decrease from February 2007. Since 2004 the number of families on the New Zealand waiting lists has remained reasonably stable, with a slight decrease over the past 24 months.

The housing affordability index measures how affordable home ownership is for New Zealanders. Housing affordability can be assessed by comparing the average weekly earning with the median dwelling price and the mortgage interest rates. A low index equals affordable housing.

As at August 2008, Taranaki had an index of 23.79 compared to Auckland at 38.7 and Central Otago at 49.48. On an annual basis Taranaki recorded an annual improvement of 0.9 per cent compared to a national improvement of 4.1 per cent.

The level of recorded crime provides a broad measure of personal safety and well-being for members of the Taranaki community. Caution is required when interpreting crime data as fluctuations in crime rates may be affected by changes in reporting by the public. The movement of recorded crime in Taranaki is generally reflective of national movements in recorded crime. Crime in the Taranaki region accounted for 2.35 per cent of all crime in New Zealand. New Plymouth recorded an increase of 0.75 per cent for the year to December 2007 and New Plymouth district has experienced a six per cent increase in youth offending since 2001.Closed circuit cameras in operation in the New Plymouth district is reducing vandalism and theft. Increased police presence in certain areas has also led to reduction in crime.

The prevalence of adults who are current smokers in Taranaki is similar to the national figure. In 2007, 18.4 per cent of the sample population in Taranaki were deemed to have a hazardous drinking habit, this compares with 18.3 per cent in 2003.

Sixty-eight per cent of respondents to the survey are satisfied with the health services in Taranaki. Ninety-six per cent of Taranaki residents feel safe during daylight hours, while 77 per cent feel safe after dark.

Skilled

The educational attainment of the adult population is an indicator of the skills and knowledge available to the Taranaki economy from among the adult population. In 2007, 70.2 per cent of the population of Taranaki aged 25 to 64 had attained an educational qualification of upper secondary level or above. The national average was 76 per cent.

In Taranaki 2007, 66.1 per cent of all year 11 students obtained the NCEA level 1 qualification. The national rate for year 11 students reaching NCEA Level 1 is 62.6 per cent. The shows that Taranaki is 3.5 per cent above the national average at year 11.

On a regional comparison Taranaki had the lowest rate for educational attainment for the population 25 to 64. This presents a real challenge to the region and its employers with skill shortages being evident, particularly in the higher skilled areas of engineering. In the recent six monthly survey carried out by Venture Taranaki there were signs that skill shortages were easing in certain sectors

A total of 27,143 individuals in Taranaki were enrolled in continuing education throughout 2008 - 1,169 individuals participating in the modern apprenticeship scheme, 17,679 participating in industry training and 4,532 individuals enrolled in the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT).Return to top

Sustainable

The quality of the natural environment is directly related to people's quality of life. Population growth and economic development puts pressure on the sustainability of the natural environment. Taranaki Regional Council is currently preparing the next State of the Environment Report to be released in early 2009.

In terms of soil erosion there are some positive indicators to show. For example, 87.4 per cent of the hill country is being used sustainably with no significant soil erosion problems. There has been a 2.4 per cent increase in sustainability over the past five years.

Soil health refers to the biological, chemical and physical state of the soil. According to Taranaki Regional Council, research shows that 97 per cent of Taranaki soils are of low to moderate vulnerability to soil compaction.

For many people solid waste is more or less equivalent to rubbish, however such wastes may also include by-products of manufacturing and other processes that can be recovered and reused. If solid waste is not effectively managed it can create a range of adverse environmental and human effects, undermining our ability to live sustainably. 15 years ago there were approximately 20 sites servicing the Taranaki region and some were just 'dumps'. There is now only one operative landfill in Taranaki. All operative closed landfills and cleanfills have resource consents and are monitored.

The Taranaki region, despite its modest size, is a biologically diverse region. Research into kereru and tui in New Plymouth highlighted the importance of both native and flowering and fruiting trees in the city. Biodiversity on land is managed by a number of agencies including the Department of Conservation with its Conservancy Management Strategy, District Plans by district councils and Taranaki with its Biodiversity Strategy to guide all the various biodiversity actions.

Taranaki Regional Council's Regional Fresh Water Plan, contains policies, methods and rules to maintain and enhance water quality in Taranaki. The Council regularly monitors for compliance with the plan. The region's water quality comfortably meets guidelines for dissolved oxygen and clarity.

Taranaki's water quality for swimming is excellent with the most popular beaches complying with national bathing standards. Three New Plymouth District beaches Oakura, East End and Fitzroy gained and held Blue Flag accreditation over 2007/08. Significant improvements continue to be made in terms of waste treatment and disposal systems.

On the basis of national guidelines, air quality in Taranaki is rated as excellent, enabling the district to enjoy good air quality for community health. Major air discharge permit holders continue to make significant investments in emission controls and production technology.

Heritage items are an important contributor to the way people feel about where they live and has an impact on the uniqueness of the region and the attraction of the region as a tourist destination. Taranaki region has significant historic heritage resources that provide important links with the past. Historic buildings, structures, places, wahi tapu or other sites have archaeological, historic, architectural, cultural, scientific and technological value or significance. 193 heritage sites are protected by the three district councils. New Plymouth District Council has identified 80 Category A heritage building which have not been damaged, although a number of category B and C heritage buildings have been destroyed. There have been 1,774 archaeological sites identified in the region.

In New Plymouth 76 per cent of residents surveyed are satisfied with the management of the built environment. The coastal walkway has been named as the world's best environmentally sustainable project for 2008.

Together

A region that is caring and inclusive, works together, and enables people to have a strong and distinctive sense of identity is an indicator of social well-being. In Taranaki 11.5 per cent of the population participated in the voluntary sector in 2006. However, three in 10 residents surveyed reported discrimination or exclusion for reasons such as age, gender or ethnicity, on at least the rare occasion, and this is consistent across all three districts. Conversely, Taranaki is seen as an inclusive, caring and tolerant community by 82 per cent of residents. Younger residents (15 to 24) were significantly less likely to share this view.

Seventy-two per cent of Māori residents in Taranaki surveyed reported positive relationships between Māori and non-Māori, with New Plymouth District at 75 per cent.

Ninety-one per cent of New Plymouth residents agree that Taranaki has a regional identity that they can be proud of.

Vibrant

Taranaki was ranked third equal with Gisborne and Marlborough on a regional basis for voter turnout for the local body elections. This reflects a vibrant community that is engaged in the process of decision making.

Participation in sport and active leisure is a source of enjoyment and entertainment. It can contribute to personal growth and development and has positive benefits for physical fitness and mental well-being. Sixty-nine per cent of Taranaki adults aged 18 years or over were reported to be engaging in at least 2.5 hours of sport and/or leisure activities a week. In terms of regional ranking Taranaki was eighth equal with the Manawatu-Wanganui and Bay of Plenty. Young people aged five to 17 in Taranaki also recorded a rate of 69 per cent for participation in sport and/or recreation activities of at least 2.5 hours per week.

In New Plymouth 79 per cent of the residents are satisfied with their work/life balance. Eighty-nine per cent of New Plymouth District residents surveyed agreed that Taranaki is a vibrant place to live.

In addition to this New Plymouth took out three major awards in the international awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom) held in China in November 2008.

New Plymouth was named the best place to live in New Zealand by North and South magazine.

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