The west has a reputation as a well-connected community, and the new Western Initiative sets out to strengthen this even further.
Council’s 10-year Budget allocates $5 million over the next ten years to build on the good work already happening in the community. The Western Initiative was included in the budget following a recommendation from west councillors with support from Mayor Phil Goff, and aims to improve social outcomes and build youth employment in the west.
A community breakfast was recently held in Henderson to introduce the idea and get feedback from various groups and individuals on the best way to co-design the Western Initiative.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the west as we have a lot of energy and a reputation for making good things happen,” says Waitākere Ward Councillor Penny Hulse who hosted the breakfast with fellow west councillors Linda Cooper and Ross Clow.
“We had a great turnout and the community is very excited and positive about the new initiative. This will be much more than a youth employment project as we look at local economic development, supporting environmental initiatives, procurement and building up social enterprise.
“Much of this work is already being done and with more resource and support we can build new connections and strengthen existing ones to collaborate and advocate even more effectively to bring positive social change to the west.”
The breakfast was attended by about 100 people including MPs, local elected members, and a wide range of community representatives.
