Two community activator roles have been developed by Devonport-Takapuna Local Board to help build resilient, connected communities across the North Shore and in under-serviced areas and communities.
The roles, funded as a result of community feedback in the Annual Budget, will be based out of the Devonport Community House in the south, and Sunnynook Community Centre in the north.
Working with local community groups, venues and resident’s associations, the activators will empower them to develop their own goals and initiatives and build resilience and community connections.
Board Chair Toni van Tonder says the decision to create the community activator roles is a response to feedback given during the annual budget, informed by the community’s need for stronger, more connected, and resilient communities following the January flooding.
The board also wants to target communities in areas of the north shore that haven’t been receiving the support they needed.
“Our board has a population of around 60,000, 44 per cent of whom are migrants. About a third live on the Devonport Peninsula while the other two thirds are in Takapuna North. So, there’s a heck of a lot of people we haven’t been reaching, and we haven’t always distributed our community development funding equitably.
Outside the Sunnynook Community Centre
“With that in mind, the board’s community development strategy has shifted away from the top-down, event-led approach, toward the activator model. These community activators will be out there, on the ground, agile in supporting neighbourhood level connections and responding to need as it emerges.
“For instance, if a resident’s association wants to build their reach, or a migrant group needs support navigating the grants programme, our activators will support them. We’re talking neighbourhood BBQs, welcome packs for new housing developments, supporting youth-led activities and grass roots community development. We’re excited about this shift and can’t wait to see what good things come of it.”
The activators are planned to start working soon.
To find out more about the work that Community Activators have done for New Zealand communities, head to the Inspiring Communities website.
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