At the heart of our city - Strategic framework for children and young people 2018-2021
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At the heart of our city Strategic framework for children and young people 2018-2021
Whakataukī
Ka whakanunua te tamaiti
Ke te aroha
Ka whāngaia te hinengaro ki te wairua
O ngā tūpuna
Whitikingia ia ki tōnu tūrangawaewae
Ka whakaritea ana ki whakamua
Ka puāwai te katoa
When a child is immersed in love
Nourished with an understanding of the past
With an awareness of self
And knowledge for the future
Then we all will prosper
Na Matiu Rei
(Chief Executive Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Toa Rangitira)
2 Strategic Framework for children and young people 2018-2021
Contents
Introduction 4
Part 1: Background
1. Youth profile – who are we? 5
2. Strategic direction – our Long-term Plan 6
3. Links to other council work 6
4. What’s important to children and young people? 7
5. What the data tells us 10
6. Porirua city’s role in getting it right for children 12
7. Importance of partnerships 13
Part 2: Strategic Framework
for Children and Young People 2018-2021
Overview 14
Focus areas 14
Focus Area 1: Environment and place 15
Focus Area 2: Safety and well-being 16
Focus Area 3: Opportunities and experiences 18
Focus Area 4: Connection and belonging 20
Focus Area 5: Engaged and involved 22
Our approach – at a glance 23
3
Introduction
We have made a commitment in our our This framework also complements the
Long-term Plan to support children and young vision and mahi of Tumai Hauora ki Porirua
people - placing them at the heart of our city. Alliance; an interagency network that works
As a strategic priority this means ensuring that collaboratively to improve the health and well-
our plans and decisions help all our children being of tamariki and rangatahi in Porirua.
and young people to reach their potential. It
Our Strategic Framework aligns with the United
also means providing a healthy and beautiful
Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
city in which to grow up.
(UNCROC) to which New Zealand is a signatory.
Council has an important role as an advocate Most relevant are Article 3 (Best interest of the
to improve quality of life and ensure more child when making decisions that will affect
equitable access to services and opportunities them) and Article 12 (Respecting the views of
for children and young people. We also seek to the child). This means children have a right to
amplify the voices of children and young people say what they think should happen and have
to enable them to advocate for themselves. their opinions taken into account. 1
As a Council we have a unique role as a place- We cannot achieve the aspirations of this
maker and place-shaper. In partnership with framework alone. We value the partnerships we
iwi and communities, we help to make the city have with our communities and organisations
and its villages attractive, healthy and safe. We to ensure that we provide a city that is great
want a city that children, young people, and for everyone. Community stakeholders have
their families are proud to call home because endorsed the overall direction outlined in this
it reflects our story – our history, development, framework and have asked us to pick up our
and cultural diversity. licence to lead, to show leadership, and create
opportunities.
Council acknowledges Ngāti Toa Rangatira
as mana whenua. Our partnership agreement This framework is a guide to our investment for
with Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira recognises children and young people over the next three
our long standing relationship and on- years. It is firmly based on what children and
going commitment to work together for the young people have told us is important to them
benefit of Ngāti Toa Rangatira and the wider and is supported by data on their well-being.
Porirua community. The Strategic Framework
As part of our monitoring we will report back
suppports the vision of Te Rūnanga o Toa
annually on our progress toward achieving our
Rangatira for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau
vision of ‘children and young people at the
to reach their potential and improve overall
heart of our city’.
oranga (well-being). This includes better health,
education, employment, housing and income
outcomes for iwi and a commitment to care for
the natural environment – kaitiakitanga.
1 Unicef Factsheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child
4 Strategic Framework for children and young people 2018-2021Part 1: Background
1. Youth profile • 35% of the population in the Western Ward
identify as Māori compared with 23% in the
– who are we? Eastern Ward and 10% in the Northern Ward.
Compared to other centres in New Zealand... 2 Some our our communities are more youthful
than others. Under 25s make up:
...we are youthful:
• 32% of our Northern Ward
• Nearly four out of ten of us are aged under
25 years (that’s over 20,000 people) • 38% of Western Ward
• 43% of our Eastern Ward
...we are ethnically diverse:
• 60% European/Pakeha Our families are bigger and more likely to be
multi-generational.
• 20% Māori
We are proud – nearly eight of ten young
• 25% Pacific People people think Porirua is a great place to live.
• 6.0% Asian We are a city of contrasts – there are big
differences between our communities with high
• 0.7% Middle Eastern/Latin American/
and low income communities living side by side.
African.
There are differences in social outcomes. Not all
Some of our communities have high numbers children and young people in Porirua have the
of Māori and Pacific People, for example: same chance at success.
• 53% of the population in the Eastern Ward
identify as Pacific people compared with
19% in the Western Ward and 5% in the
Northern Ward
2 Data from Census 2013, Statistic NZ
52. Strategic direction We will put children and young people at the
heart of our city by:
– our Long-term Plan 1. Advocating for our children’s success in
education, work, arts, recreation and sport
We decided a few years ago to give priority to
children and young people in our Long-term 2. Engaging them in city decisions
Plan (2015-25). Children and young people
at the centre of city decisions was one of four 3. Promoting healthy choices
priorities in the 2015 plan. Each priority was 4. Providing opportunities to participate in the
retained in the subsequent plan and underpins life of our city; and
our decision-making.
5. Monitoring the range of services that deliver
The children’s priority has been expanded from to children, young people and their families.
a council focus (at the centre of city decisions)
to a more city-wide focus (at the heart of our The Strategic Framework for Children and
city). Young People outlines what we are doing to
support the children’s priority - Children and
The four strategic priorities in the Long-term young people at the heart of our city. Children
Plan 2018-38 are: and young people are defined as those aged
• A growing prosperous and regionally 0-24 years.
connected city
• Children and young people at the heart 3. Links to other
of our city
council work
• A great village and city experience
In addition to being an important part of our
• A healthy and protected harbour and Long-term Plan, the strategic framework for
catchment. children and young people complements a
number of other plans and activities across
The four priorities are interconnected– for Council.
example, work to improve the health of the
harbour will contribute to ensuring our children In early 2018 we launched three new funds to
and young people can enjoy a healthy and improve the well-being of young people and
safe recreational environment. Our villages assist in bringing innovative ideas to life that
programme provides opportunities for support children and young people -‘Making an
children and young people to shape their Impact Fund’, ‘Making it Happen Fund’ and the
neighbourhoods through local projects. ‘Getting You There’ mayoral grant.
Environmental education continues to be a
fundamental element of our Te Awarua-o-
Porirua Harbour & Catchment Strategy and
Action Plan. Council supports and provides
a range of initiatives that mobilise schools so
that students are actively learning about, and
taking an interest in, action for the harbour.
6 Strategic Framework for children and young people 2018-2021Council’s cycling plan will extend and connect
our cycleways and promote healthy and active
4. What’s important to
lifestyles for our children and communities. children and young
We continue to expand our cycle trails and
Council is working to support the development people?
of Porirua Adventure Park – a signficant
project that will promote new opportunities for We couldn’t put this framework together
mountain biking, running,walking and other without listening to what’s important to our
adventure recreation. children and young people. We have heard
their voices through workshops, written and
Porirua Adventure Park is one of four big verbal submissions, youth surveys, and through
projects in our economic growth plan informal discussions.
alongside city centre revitalisation, Eastern
Porirua regeneration and Transmission Gully. Over the last three years we have been
Each project provides an opportunity to listening, and this is what we’ve discovered:
improve the quality of life of young people • Porirua has amazing children and young
through improving connectivity, making it people. They are passionate about their
easier to move around the city or increasing families, their cultures, and the environment.
employment. They care about the well-being of others
In partnership with Rotary and Otago and want everyone to have what they need
University we have audited our playgrounds to live a good life.
for accessibility and are making changes to • Our children and young people love Porirua
ensure children and young people of all abilities and are proud and happy to live here. They
and their parents and caregivers can enjoy our are keen for opportunities to learn and earn
playgrounds. We continue to develop facilities here, and to make positive contributions to
for children such as the new splash pad at the city’s future.
Aotea Lagoon and a new children’s play area in
the city centre currently under construction. • Our research has shown that most children
and young people in Porirua are doing well,
We partner with other agencies to work with however there are concerning disparities in
young people in their transition from school to social and health outcomes.
training and employment. We are part of the
Youth2Work Movement and offer employment Our findings have been grouped into themes
opportunities for young people through and are described below.
Jobfest. We also offer two scholarships for
Nature and the environment – the harbour,
young people including paid work experience
beaches, bush and waterways
at the Council.
“We want to clean rubbish out of Porirua
We will continue to include children and young
Harbour, so it will be healthier for people and
people in our consultation processes. This will
all the sealife.” 3
include our District Plan Review, our next Long-
term Plan and any relevant policy or bylaw “We want Porirua to be beautiful.” 4
reviews.
3 Nathan, Finn and Cassie from Pauatahanui School, annual plan submission 2016
4 Adventure School student submission to draft annual plan 2016
7This is the topic most talked about during Emergency management is important as
our consultation workshops with schools. Our many children have experienced flooding or
children and young people are passionate earthquakes:
about the harbour, beaches, and waterways,
“Come and tell us what you are doing about
the quality of the water, and wildlife that lives
the stormwater and flooding so we don’t get
there. They strongly support action to restore
scared.” 5
and protect the harbour including investment
in infrastructure, planting trees, and reduction Children and young people had many ideas
of pollutants. and suggestions about how to make Porirua
a safer and healthier city:
Children and young people are aware that
previous generations enjoyed swimming “Imagine if gambling machines paid out in
and collecting food from clean and safe vegetables, imagine how healthy and well
local waterways and want to have the same balanced our community would be.” 6
experiences and opportunities.
“Could you please add more crossings across
Children and young people are strong to the shops so kids can stay safe?” 7
supporters of waste minimisation such
as composting and recycling, and have “Can you make more health foods and less
innovative ideas for enterprise and community sugary foods?” 8
engagement to reduce the amount of waste
Opportunities and experiences
to landfill. They also want to have clean and
attractive neighbourhoods, shopping centres, Equity is important to children and young
and open spaces. people. They are aware that not all young
people get to enjoy what Porirua has to offer.
Safety and well-being
They also felt that some families aren’t able to
Children and young people think its important support children to do well at school because
to build strong resilient families and keep they were struggling to provide the basics such
children safe. They want to see more unity as rent, food, school uniforms, and stationery.
in the community and more support services Support for families was therefore important for
for people who need help. For example, help their education:
for those with drug and alcohol issues or
“If things are going well at home you will
experiencing family violence. There is growing
generally do well at school.” 9
concern about the impact of synthetic drugs on
young people and their families. Young people are aware of the importance of
education and feel there are opportunities to
While most young people generally feel safe,
make improvements. They want to feel valued
some people and places are considered unsafe.
by teachers, and for their families and teachers
Gangs are an issue for some. Young people are
to have high expectations of them:
concerned about other’s poor perception of
Porirua. “We want teachers that we want to impress.” 10
5 St Pius X student submission to draft annual plan 2017
6 Titahi Bay School student submission to draft annual plan 2016
7 As above
8 Titahi Bay School student submission to draft annual plan 2017
9 Comment by young person from nine community conversations about their main concerns, 2017
10 As above
8 Strategic Framework for children and young people 2018-2021Young people want more local training and going on, and improved connections between
employment options. The cost of transport is a suburbs – both physical and social.
barrier to accessing training and employment,
Children and young people love the cultural
especially opportunities in Wellington City and
diversity of their city. Cultural events and
the region.
celebrations help young people to feel a
Young people find it difficult to meet the sense of belonging and pride in their city.
high cost of living because of casual work and It’s important to children and young people
income insecurity. to hear and see te reo Māori and Pacific
languages, and that people use correct
Children and young people value activities and
pronunciation, particularly of names and
events that bring different people together.
local places.
They told us there needs to be lots for young
people to do such as outdoor programmes, and Engaged and involved
things that are cheap or free. Some felt that
boredom leads to risky behaviour. They also Children and young people are keen to share
challenged us to provide activities catering for their views and ideas about what’s important
all age groups. to them, what they love about living in Porirua,
and what changes they would like to see. They
“Think of children aged 9-16 as well, also appreaciate being asked about their
not just the little kids.” 11 concerns, issues that are affecting them and
what they think the solutuions might be.
Connection and belonging
Children and young people enjoy learning
Family and friends are the most important
about Council, how decisions are made,
thing to children and young people. School,
and being part of the public participation
church, and sports provide supportive networks
process. They have presented to Council with
for children which they value. They told us that
confidence and enthusiasticaly join in with
those most at risk of not succeeding are the
projects to help shape the look and feel of their
ones without these connections.
neighbourhoods and the local environment.
Young people are concerned that many
“If you need any help I’m sure us Aotea
youth programmes are short term, and when
College leaders are keen.” 12
they finish they leave a gap. They are also
concerned that young people are not involved Children and young people are keen to hear
in funding decisions and that all the funding is about what is going on around the city and
received by adults. how to get involved. They offer suggestions on
how better to reach younger audiences and
Specific ideas from children and young people
how to identfy and work with young leaders.
on how to strengthen a sense of belonging
and connection include more things to do that “Please listen to what we say. We might be
bring people together, places to go that enable little but we are important.” 13
supportive social groups to gather such as hubs
“We are part of the community and we want
and pop-ups, more information about what’s
to be part of making it a cool place to live.” 14
11 What’s important to kids in our city? Comments from council workshops for schools 2015-17
12 Aotea College student submission to draft annual plan 2016
13 Discovery School Student submission to draft annual plan 2016
14 Student submission to draft annual plan 2016
95. What the data 5. Attendance rates are of concern both
locally and nationally with nearly a third not
tells us attending school regularly and significant
ethnic disparities for Māori and Pasifika
In addition to listening to our children and students.
young people we have looked at different sets 6. The rate of transient students (that is
of data on the well-being of our young people students who change schools twice or more
aged 0-24 years. This information is provided in between March and November of the school
the annual Status Report: Children and Young year) is also of concern. Our rate is over twice
People in Porirua (Status Report) 15. the national rate. Both attendance and
The Status Report collates data into a range transient rates were issues in the previous
of topics including: satisfaction with living in status report.
Porirua, education, health, unemployment, 7. Our tertiary participation rates are similar
engagement, recreation, housing and safety. to the national rates, as are our rates of
The key findings are outlined below. internet access; however there is variability
across suburbs for the latter. There are
Key findings from the ethnic disparities in tertiary participation
Status Report 2018 with Māori and Pasifika students from
Porirua under-represented.
Satisfaction with living in Porirua
Health
1. Most young people consider Porirua a great
8. Most young people have a positive
place to live and satisfaction levels with
perception of their overall health. Our infant
council events and facilities popular with
immunisation rates remain high.
children and young people remains high.
9. Concerns in the previous Status Report
Education related to poor child oral health and high
2. The high levels of participation in early rates of hospital admission for under-
childhood education have been sustained fives remain. The level of tooth decay
since the first Status Report, albeit with remains high locally and nationally for
small ethnic disparities persisting. Māori children, and particularly for Pasifika
children.
3. Achievement rates in National Standards
in reading, writing and maths are similar in 10. Young people aged 18- 24 years have higher
Porirua to national rates. There are however levels of stress and feelings of isolation than
ethnic disparities both locally and nationally. older age groups.
4. Porirua students are slightly below Unemployment
the national average in NCEA level 2
11. Porirua young people are more likely to be
achievement rates. However, our Māori and
NEET (Not in Education, Employment or
Pasifika students have higher achievement
Training) and receiving a benefit than their
rates than their ethnic counterparts
counterparts nationally.
nationally.
15 A full copy of the latest Status Report can be found on the Council’s website: poriruacity.govt.nz/your-council/city-planning-
and-reporting/our-strategic-priorities/children-and-young-people/
10 Strategic Framework for children and young people 2018-2021Engagement Safety
12. Overall young people would like to have 17. Most people consider Porirua a safe place
more say in council decision-making and a to live and safe for children. However young
better understanding of council decision- people are more likely to feel unsafe than
making processes. older age groups, particularly in the city
centre at night or walking alone in their
13. Young people aged 18-24 years have
neighbourhood at night.
relatively high engagement in elections in
local and central government, with higher 18. Increasing numbers of Porirua children and
enrolment and voter turnout than their young people are experiencing abuse in
counterparts nationally. their own homes, bucking a national trend
where findings of substantiated abuse have
Recreation declined. Accidental injury rates are also
14. Approximately half of young people higher in Porirua than nationally.
in Porirua and New Zealand are doing
The most concerning issues are:
enough physical exercise. There is room
for improvement for both groups to meet • Low attendance rates at school and high
Ministry of Health guidelines. rates of transience (moving schools)
Housing • High rates of young people NEET (Not in
15. In Porirua over a fifth of children live in employment, education or Training)
overcrowded houses and quarter live in • Poor child oral health
homes with damp and mould. A third of
young people struggle to afford to heat • Poor housing – quality and affordability
their home in winter. Poor housing is a
• Safety – accidental injury and child abuse
known contributor to poor child health and
rates.
is likely influencing the high rate of hospital
admissions for children in Porirua.
16. Rising house prices, falling house sales
and fully occupied social housing stock is
creating housing stress for families in Porirua.
Housing stress means many families are
struggling to cover their everyday costs
because they are paying too great of
proportion of their income (over a third) on
housing costs.
116. Porirua city’s role if it is something outside our control but of
interest (such as national legislation and
in getting it right policies that affect our residents) we can act
as an advocate with central government, or
for children bring interested parties together to work out a
solution. In many cases we partner with others
As a Council we have a range of roles and to make improvements.
responsibilities. This means that our responses
to issues will vary. For example if it is something Our main roles are described in the table
that we can control such as the services we below.
provide we can make direct changes. However,
Council roles
Provider Advocate Convenor Partner Monitor
Provider of infrastructure, Amplify children Leverage our Work alongside Keeping a
sport and recreation and young unique role as various sectors in citywide overview
spaces and facilities, public people’s voices city leaders to the community to of the well-being
events, funding for children and support their bring groups deliver outcomes of children and
and young people. efforts to call for together to broker together. This young people.
change. partnerships, includes business,
Regulatory role in celebrate community and Reviewing and
implementing bylaws, Champion issues successes, and government. improving our
enforcement and licensing. and initiatives address common services for
that will deliver concerns and children and
Provider of education better outcomes young people.
issues.
programmes and for children and
recreation through Pātaka young people.
Art+ Museum, libraries and
pools.
Provider of project
opportunities through
partnership programmes
and village planning.
12 Strategic Framework for children and young people 2018-20217. Importance of Agencies and organisations in the formal
education sector – from early childhood
partnerships to secondary schools and kura, tertiary and
vocational training institutions, organisations
We can’t get it right without working alongside providing services and programmes, and
others who share similar aspirations for our relevant government agencies.
children and young people. Our contributions
The business sector – collaborative workforce
when working in partnership with other
development to provide opportunities in
organisations depend on the needs and
training and employment for young people,
opportunities in each circumstance, and
and strengthening pathways for careers.
we seek to optimise the unique role of local
government. The not for profit community sector – smaller
and independent organisations working to
Key partnerships include: strengthen outcomes for children and young
people, including sports clubs and community
Ngāti Toa Rangatira – mana whenua of groups.
Porirua, we have a formal agreement with the
Rūnanga to work together for the well-being of Professional associations and interest group
Porirua City and its people. networks – such as collaborative groups that
focus on the harbour or health and social issues
Pacific peoples – connections to Pacific affecting children and young people.
communities through community-based
organisations and church groups.
13Part 2: Strategic Framework for
Children and Young People
2018-2021
Overview Focus areas
Children and young people at the heart of the Environment and place
city is a strategic priority for Council. We are Children and young people are actively
interested in our young people because: involved in the care and protection of the
harbour and the environment, and enjoy living
• Nearly 40% of the population is aged in clean and attractive neighbourhoods.
under 25 years
Safety and well-being
• They are big users of our facilities, Children and young people in Porirua grow
programmes and public spaces up healthy, active, and safe. Public places
promote health and well-being and strengthen
• They are likely to have a different
connections for the well-being of young people.
perspective from adults; and
Opportunity and experiences
• They will live with the legacy of our decisions. Children and young people are supported
We have listened. Our Strategic Framework to achieve academic success at school, and
reflects the voices of children and young people to transition from formal education into a
and is supported by data and research. The future they aspire to. They participate in the
voices and the data have informed the focus life our city, broadening their experiences and
areas where we believe strategic actions expanding their horizons.
will help us realise the full potential of all our Connection and belonging
children and young people, and ensure that Children and young people feel supported by
Porirua is a healthy and beautiful place to grow strong connections with families, each other,
up. and the wider community. They have places to
Vision go and things to do, and enjoy celebrating a
variety of cultures in their everyday life.
1. Realise the potential for all our children
Engaged and involved
and young people
Children and young people are active
2. Porirua is a healthy and beautiful place to participants in decision making processes and
grow up local projects to help shape the look and feel of
our city.
14 Strategic Framework for children and young people 2018-2021Focus Area 1: Connecting with, and caring for the natural
environment also resonates for Māori through
Environment and place the concept of kaitiakitanga - the exercise of
guardianship by the tangata whenua of an
Children and young people are actively area in accordance with tikanga Māori.
involved in the care and protection of Our young people demonstrate a high degree
the harbour and the environment, and of awareness of the need for sustainable
enjoy living in clean and attractive practices to protect the environment and
neighbourhoods. ensure a good quality of life for everyone. They
are keen to be involved in planning and caring
What have young people told us? for their environment, both urban and natural.
This is the topic that children and young people
talk about the most when we are engaging
Council’s role
with them. Children and young people love the Council has unique and varied responsibilities
clean air, wonderful views and lots of green regarding the environment. We provide spaces
spaces. They love the shining sun and living by including parks and playgrounds, reserves
the sea, the harbour and the wildlife that lives and beaches, street cleaning and waste
there. management services, waste minimisation
education and community engagement.
It makes sense then that students are very
We are also responsible for providing city
concerned about the health of the environment
infrastructure such as wastewater and
and the negative impacts of pollution, litter
stormwater, district planning and regulatory
and urban development on the harbour.
services.
They would like to see more trees being
We are responsible for implementing the Te
planted, plastic bag bans, more electric cars,
Awarua O Porirua Harbour and Catchment
and to clean up the harbour.
Strategy and Action Plan with our key partners
Children and young people have also told Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Wellington City
us that living in neighbourhoods clean from Council and the Greater Wellington Regional
rubbish and graffiti is important to them, and Council. This Strategy details the actions
they appreciated attractive shopping centres and measures for reducing sedimentation,
and streets. pollutants and restoring ecological health.
Monitoring harbour health is an important
Why is this important? measure of progress in the Harbour Strategy.
Research shows that when children have Most relevant to children and young people are
regular contact with nature it improves their the measures of water quality in recreational
social, psychological, academic and physical areas. 17
health. 16
16 Benefits of connecting children with nature, Department of Conservation
17 Refer to page 11 of the Te Awarua O Porirua Harbour and Catchment Strategy and Action Plan, 2015
15Council’s contribution Focus Area 2: Safety
There are many ways that we can help and well-being
to protect the environment and keep our
neighbourhoods clean and attractive. Some
All children in Porirua grow up healthy,
examples of how we currently involve children
active, and safe. Public places promote
and young people are:
health and well-being and strengthen
• Council led programmes and projects connections for the well-being of
to restore and protect the harbour and young people.
waterways eg Drains to Harbour education
programme, Compost Classroom and the What have young people told us?
Elsdon wetlands development
Children and young people have told us they
• Council led programmes for local value the facilities, programmes and spaces
neighbourhood improvements such as the we provide - spaces to hang out with friends
cage basketball court upgrades and the or places with interesting things to do. They
Bedford Reserve Project also appreciate spaces for creative expression
– so they can see themselves reflected in the
• Partnerships with environmental education
community.
programmes such as Enviroschools, Porirua
Harbour Trust and Mountains to Sea Trust Good urban design, attractive public spaces
and regulatory services help children and young
• Graffiti management programmes such as
people to feel healthy and safe and make it
Tag Free Kiwi
easier for them to move around the city.
• Consulting on environmental issues in the
They care about others and are concerned
draft long-term and annual plans, such as
about the harm from alcohol and drugs.
the subsidised recycling programme for
schools proposal
Why is this important?
• Targeted involvement in our review of the
District Plan It is important for all children and young people
to be safe to grow into healthy adults. Abuse
• Involvement in shaping their and neglect, stress and anxiety all undermine a
neighbourhoods through the projects in child’s capacity to reach their potential.
Village Planning
A healthy, active lifestyle is also important for
• Involvement in playground function and children and young people as it improves their
design mental and physical health. Being active is
especially important for growing bodies, making
• Convening a harbour education network;
them stronger and more flexible and leading to
and
better health outcomes in the long term.
• Contributing to partnership programmes
A holistic understanding of health and well-
involving schools and children and young
being is important for this Strategic Framework.
people.
For Māori the physical dimension (including
the environment) is interconnected with other
16 Strategic Framework for children and young people 2018-2021dimensions such as wairuatanga (spirituality) For example, through liquor licensing, dog
and waiora (total well-being of the individual and noise control, building and food safety
and family). All dimensions need to be in inspections and smoke free playgrounds.
balance. Well known models include Mason’s
We can play a brokerage and advocacy role
Duries’ Te Whare Tapu Whā or Rose Pere’s
for issues outside our control that are harming
Te Wheke. 18
our communities, for example, responding to
Pacific People also take a holistic approach to community concern about young people’s lack of
health involving multiple dimensions including knowledge about the toxicity of synthetic drugs.
the influence of the physical environment on
the overall well-being of individuals and fono, Council’s contribution
as seen in the Fonofale Model by Fauimaono
Karl Puloti-Endemann. 19 We want children and young people to be
healthy, active and safe. There are many ways
we contribute to this:
Council’s role
• Deliver quality recreational programmes
Council has multiple roles it can play. The
enjoyed by thousands of children such as
most significant contribution is as a provider of
learn to swim, water safety and kindy gym
facilities and programmes and open spaces.
We have 41 playgrounds, 39 sport fields, 100km • Providing and upgrading city infrastructure
of walking and cycling tracks and nearly 1000 such as stormwater to ensure the public’s
hectares of reserves in 184 parks. health
We also provide swimming and water safety • Continuously improving and expanding
programmes and road safety services for places and spaces for children and young
schools. Funding is available for innovative people to enjoy as our city grows eg new
programmes to improve youth well-being. playground in the city centre, new cycle
trails etc
We work with central government on significant
complex issues such as housing and health. • Regularly upgrading our playgrounds
We have strategic partnerships with Tumai and implementing accessibility audit
Hauora ki Porirua Alliance, New Zealand Police recommendations to ensure playgrounds
and social service and health service providers. can be enjoyed children of all abilities and
We monitor a range of health indicators in our their parents/caregivers
annual status report of children and young
people in Porirua. • Advocating to central government for
improvements in social housing and
We can ensure that we are a good role model community regeneration in Eastern Porirua
by making healthy choices easier in our
recreational facilities. For more complex issues, • Implementing new policies to make a
such as healthy housing, we have an important facilities and events healthier, such as
role to play as an advocate or broker for our improving access to free water at events,
city and communities. more healthy food options and more water
fountains in public spaces
Harm reduction is part our regulatory function.
18 www.health.govt.nz/our-work/populations/maori-health/maori-health-models
19 apps.centralpho.org.nz/Permalink/MoM/General%20Documents/MoM/Published/Pacific%20Health%20Forms/Fonofale%20
model.pdf
17• Exploring the merits of establishing Keeping it local is important. Young people
a youth-led safety advisory group don’t want to have to travel out of Porirua to
access recreational and learning opportunities.
• Prioritise projects that promote youth
Travel costs are a barrier for some.
well-being through young people’s
Making an Impact Fund. Children and young people have also told us
that they really value the activities, events
Focus Area 3: and facilities in our city including parks and
playgrounds, shops, places to swim, sports
Opportunities opportunities and events that celebrate the
arts and cultures.
and experiences
Children and young people want equity.
They want to ensure everyone has the same
All students in Porirua are supported to
opportunities. They are concerned about the
achieve academic success at school,
cost of living and want to make sure that
and to transition from formal education
having warm dry homes is affordable for all
into a future they aspire to. All children families – “some people go to school starving
and young people participate in the life or without enough clothes”. 20
our city, broadening their experiences
and expanding their horizons. Why is this important?
What have young people told us? We want to work collectively as a city to
provide an enabling environment for our
Education is seen as the key to employment children and young people – an environment
and providing opportunities for the future, that sets them up for success. This means
however many young people are concerned making a wide range of experiences and
that some students are not given the support opportunities available. We all want our
they need to succeed at school, and as such children to follow their dreams and mature into
are left with few qualifications and pathways. confident adults with choices. Children tell us
Attendance, transience, and teacher attitudes growing up is challenging and the data tells
were all seen as factors that make a difference us that too many children and young people
to student success at school. aren’t reaching their potential.
Young people love living in Porirua and want “We need to be seen as more than athletes.
to see well paid jobs with meaningful careers We should push… to dream big and go for it”. 21
and opportunities available to them here. Local
work experience is hard to get.
20 Comment by a participant in a Youth Conversations Project, November 2017
21 As above
18 Strategic Framework for children and young people 2018-2021Council’s role Aquatic Centre, Cannons Creek Pool and
our libraries and parks offer a wide range
Our core business provides many children and of opportunities for all young people to
young people with positive experiences and we experience arts, culture, the environment,
will continue to do this. We have an important languages, sports and recreation
role as provider and need to be mindful of
barriers to access. • Delivering educative programmes in
schools on a range of topics such as road
In addition to being a provider we can act safety, environmental issues and graffiti
as a convenor, for example, connecting and management
promoting education programme providers
to local schools, regularly updating schools • Partnering with tertiary providers to promote
on opportunities to work with council. We post-secondary school partnerships
also partner with others to expand training
• TUIA Mayoral Mentoring programme for
and employment opportunities, and monitor
rangatahi Māori
education and employment indicators through
our annual status report. • Entrepreneurial activities such as pop-up
businesses/training and enterprise schemes
Council’s contribution • Two new tertiary scholarships with work
Council can help in a variety of ways to make it experience at Council during the school
easier for all our children and young people to holidays.
participate in city life and enjoy a wide range
• Encouraging business growth and economic
of experiences. Examples include:
development that support employment
• Te Pahi community bus which offers students opportunities for young people e.g.
from decile 1-4 schools free transport to opportunities from Adventure Park for
our facilities and programmes, and trips to tourism, hospitality and outdoor adventure
educational destinations in the Wellington careers
Region
• Over the longer-term, case-by-case
• Contracting Partners Porirua to provide strategic property purchases to promote
workforce development for our young economic growth and employment
people, such as Jobfest and Youth2Work to opportunities e.g. in Porirua East
help their transition from school to training leveraging off Transmission Gully motorway
or employment developments
• Education programmes through Pātaka Art • Promoting local and regional education
+ Museum, Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua opportunities to schools through newsletters
and seminars.
19Focus Area 4: Why is this important?
Connection and Children and young people told us they think
stronger connections in the community would
belonging make people less lonely, keep young people
busy and more likely to be successful. We
Children and young people feel agree. There is plenty of evidence to support
supported by strong connections this. Research shows that people who are
with families, each other, and the connected to a network of people – through
wider community. They have places friends, family, work and recreation - are more
to go and things to do, and enjoy likely to be happy, active and maintain good
health. Cities that welcome and acknowledge
celebrating a variety of cultures in
cultural diversity are more cohesive and
their everyday life.
resilient.
What have young people told us? If our tamariki and rangatahi have a strong
cultural connection to their tūrangawaewae
“We are the community and want to be part of
(place), can whakapapa their geneology and
making it a cool place to live.”
have access to their history (kupu tuku iho)
Children and young people have many great this will contribute to their sense of identity
ideas. They would like more things that bring and belonging. Kaumatua and marae provide
people together such as teen hang out learning opportunities to support this.
places, community gardens, environmental
programmes and cultural events and Council’s role
celebrations. They see benefits particularly
Our primary role for this focus area is as a
for young people who aren’t connected to
provider. Many of the core services we provide
supportive social groups to have somewhere to
contribute to connection and belonging –
go, and would like to see stronger connections
events such as our Waitangi Day celebration
between suburbs who usually don’t have much
and matariki which have become highlights
to do with each other.
on our events calendar. We can also provide
It’s important to children and young people to opportunities for people to learn about or
see te reo Māori being spoken more and that showcase their culture and heritage through
people use correct pronunciation, particularly exhibitions, performances and community
pronunciation of people’s names and places. projects.
Connection through technology is important to Good urban design helps to make the city
support children and young people’s education easier for children and young people to move
and learning and access to the employment about in, for example, child-friendly pedestrian
market. Social connections can also be and cycling connections.
enhanced through online channels.
Public transport and walking and cycling routes
for children are important to open up access to
opportunities for children and young people.
20 Strategic Framework for children and young people 2018-2021Council’s contribution • Making it easier to get around through
a better connected cycling network and
There are many ways the Council can help supporting cycle programmes to build skills
our children and young people to feel a sense
of belonging and city pride. Opportunities to • Pedestrian and cycle friendly city centre
participate in city life are important, as are revitalisation
chances to celebrate culture and heritage.
• Greater use of te reo in council publications
Some of the things we are doing to contribute
and signage
to connection and belonging are:
• Providing safe and well maintained
• Pātaka education programme and
neighbourhoods, parks and playgrounds
supporting exhibits
• Exploring a revitalisation project in
• New children’s gallery Our Harbour –
Eastern Porirua. Involving young people in
Te Awarua-o-Porirua
revitalisation ideas and plans will strengthen
• Child and youth friendly events programme their sense of belonging and connection in
and cultural celebrations Eastern Porirua.
• Brokering better internet services in low
income communities and providing wifi in
the city centre
21Focus Area 5: Engaged • Are active citizens provided with
opportunities for involvement
and involved • Are part of an ongoing conversation with the
Council about decision that affect them
Children and young people are active
participants in decision making • Are supported by the Council and their
processes and local projects to help communities to reach their potential.
shape the look and feel of our city.
Council’s role
What have young people told us? Our primary role for this focus area is that of
Children and young people have told us that provider. We provide opportunities for children
they feel understood and important when: 22 and young people to share their views, grow
their leadership skills, and to be involved in a
• “You ask my views in fun ways, not just variety of community projects.
a questionnaire”
• “You show me that you listened” Council’s contribution
• “You focus on the things that are important We want children and young people to be
to me” active participants in city decisions and
involved in the life of the city. We will do this by:
• “You ask my views about a range of things,
not just things you think kids are into”. • Annual consultation programme on key
planning documents – annual plans, long
term plans and district plan and policy
Why is this important?
reviews, aiming to increase the number and
With just under 40% of our population aged quality of written and oral submissions by
under 25 years it’s essential that we listen to children and young people to Council
their views and get children and young people
• Involving youth in our district plan review
involved in city decisions. Our decisions affect
them. Not only are young people big users of • Building strong networks with children and
our facilities and services, they can become young people and those who work with
involved in shaping the city. them, including schools
Engagement with young people is more than • Greater involvement of children and young
just giving them a say. It is about listening to people in village planning
their views, taking them seriously and where
feasible, putting their ideas and suggestions • Involvement of young people in the
into effect. assessment panel for young people’s funding
When children and young people are engaged • Responding to requests for support for
they: student led initiatives
• Have a voice and are listened to • Delivery of City and Schools Partnership
Programme with Partners Porirua that sees
students involved in local projects.
22 Our Porirua Journey: a guide to quality engagement 2017
22 Strategic Framework for children and young people 2018-2021Our approach – at a glance
Strategic priority – children and young people at the heart of our city
What does this We will
mean? • advocate for our children’s success
• engage them in city decisions and projects
• provide healthy and safe environments
• provide opportunities to participate in city life.
We will monitor and review progress:
• asking children and young people about their experiences of the city
• through our annual status report
• via annual reports to council.
Vision: 1. Realising the full potential of all 2. Porirua is a healthy and beautiful
our children and young people place to grow up
Why: • Nearly 40% of the population is aged under 25 years
• They are big users of our facilities, programmes and public spaces
• They are likely to have a different perspective from adults; and
• They will live with the legacy of our decisions.
Key focus areas Environment and place
Children and young people are actively involved in the care and protection
of the harbour and the environment, and enjoy living in clean and attractive
neighbourhoods.
Safety and well-being
Children and young people grow up healthy, active, and safe. Public places promote
health and well-being and strengthen connections for the well-being of young
people.
Opportunity and experiences
Children and young people in Porirua are supported to achieve academic success
at school, and to transition from formal education into a future they aspire to. They
participate in the life our city, broadening their experiences and expanding their
horizons.
Connection and belonging
Children and young people feel supported by strong connections with families, each
other, and the wider community. They have places to go and things to do, and enjoy
celebrating a variety of cultures in their everyday life.
Engaged and involved
Children and young people are active participants in decision making processes and
local projects to help shape the look and feel of our city.
Council role: Provider Advocate Convenor Partner Monitor
23COPYRIGHT © You are free to copy, distribute and adapt the work, as long as you attribute the work to Porirua City Council. Published in June 2018. Porirua City Council 16 Cobham Court PO Box 50218 Porirua 5240 This document is available on our website poriruacity.govt.nz
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