Discussing community facilities in their town has been the number one priority for a group of Ngaruawahia locals in recent months and now they want to hear your thoughts.
A steering group, made up of a cross-section of the community, has been meeting regularly for several months to discuss community facilities in Ngaruawahia. The group, who represents the different areas of the community from art and culture through to sport and business, was formed following significant community discussion. Their aim is to put together a proposal to be submitted to Waikato District Council in early 2017 on possible community facility options for Ngaruawahia.
At this stage the group has identified that a combined library and arts facility is the most suitable fit but any space would also cater for youth and all parts of the community by including multi-purpose spaces and galleries for the community to use.
The focus of the steering group has been the need to work together as a community to provide a multi-purpose facility which contributes to the revitalisation of the town and a space which is also supportive of business.
The steering group members are Anne Ramsay, Glenda Raumati, Shane Solomon, Trina Koroheke, Marama Olsen, Tracy Osbourne, Jack Ayers and Jane Stevens and has been supported through the process by an independent expert facilitator, chosen by the group.
“We are very aware of the need to create a space that is well utilised and beneficial to all parts of the Ngaruawahia community. We are currently discussing the next steps, which will include making a presentation to Council which focuses the possible locations for a community facility and what the space would include,” the group says.
The group will be asking for community input at a stall as part of the Christmas on Jesmond event on 4 December. Bring along your ideas and suggestions and make sure your voice is heard.
