A community project focused on helping our youth become valued, active and visible members of

our community. An idea proposed by ….

Richard Hurrell (Community Police & Safer Communities Trust)

Donna Dyet (SPLICE Learning Facilitator)

Robyn Irving (Enviro–Schools Facilitator)

What if the youth of Te Awamutu were supported to research, plan, design and take action for the Mangaohoe Stream ?

What are the possibilities ?

Meeting Structure

•Welcome

•Introductions

•Explanations

•Brainstorming – group ideas

•Discussion

•Recommendations

•Conclusion

A Community Meeting was held September 16th, 2009 to discuss the possibilities and consider actions.

Community thoughts and suggestions from this meeting have been recorded and posted in this blog for further discussion.

Te AwamutuMt Maungatautari

Flowing from Mt Maungatautari through Te Awamutu to meet the Mangapiko Stream @ the Netball Courts.

The Mangaohoi/ Mangaohoe Stream

Aerial photo of the Mangaohoi Stream’s path through Te Awamutu (past Scout Hall, through the Rose Garden and Memorial Park).

Christchurch’s Avon River – last century…

Planned recreational development…

Development of community access…

Planned development as town feature…

The Mangapiko – 1920s…

We have a Stream that runs through our town … The Mangaohoi Stream.

What do we know about our Stream ?

It’s a peat Stream – so the water is always brown.

There are three bridges over it in town and walkways through the parks.

Trees and undergrowth grow thickly along the banks.

It floods - so the water level rises and falls.

The banks are very steep in places.

It used to have lots of eels and fish.

Can we build some wharfs ?

Can we go fishing in it ?

Could we clear it enough to put canoes in and paddle down ? Where could we get to ?

Could we build flat bottomed boats like punts ?

Can we grow plants for the sides?

Can we get rid of some trees so we can see it better ?

Can we clear it ?

Can we clean it up ?

??

??

?

What are the keys to involving youth

in meaningful learning and action

around the Mangaohoi Stream ?

Keys to Taking ActionEngaging People

Taking Action Celebration

Developing community “responsibility”

“Buy-in” from the children & schools, family involvement

Ownership, pride & recognition

Involving passionate people

Developing VISION.-a purpose for putting in effort.

Developing awareness, & knowledge of the Stream

Providing research resources , technological resources & interaction.

Small immediate action for whole community

Celebrating success, Small achievements and progress

Good publicity & promotion –awareness for whole community

Good communication

Seeing results

From Community Meeting

Ideas for immediate action …

Student Action Day

All community schools

Mixed age groups

Facilitated Learning Activities

Students Report back to community

... in Courier,

… in TA Online

… in Shop windows

Student Planning Meetings with Community Members Input & Guidance

‘Student Community’ Meeting …to engage local children and encourage project ownership.

What are

your thought

s ?