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Community Development

Te Whakatupuranga Hapori

Empowered communities are thriving communities. Council has adopted a Community Development Framework to better articulate its role in community development and identify how it aims to work with communities, government agencies and non-government organisations to build strong, resilient communities.

Vision: Te Whakatupuranga Hapori – Communities growing and thriving
Mission: Manaaki Tangata, Tiaki Taiao – Supporting our places and people to thrive

The word hapori refers to people providing/receiving a service. Whakatupuranga refers to the act of placing a kakano/seed into 'te pito o te whenua', which literally describes its point of creation, followed by the act of nurturing and shaping the seed through its stages of growth towards full maturity.

What we do

Build and strengthen internal and external relationships.
Increase opportunities for communities to determine the things they care about.
Provide opportunities for meaningful engagement and participation in public and community life.
Empower communities to design, prioritise and deliver local initiatives.
Support community groups to lead their communities.
Work with government agencies, non-government organisations and community leaders to create connections, maximise collective potential to contribute, and improve community wellbeing.

Community development initiatives

Community Development Plans

A Community Development Plan is developed by an agreed process between a community and the Far North District Council. The plan helps the Council and the community to discuss ways to manage change while protecting what is valued most.

Disability Action Group

The Disability Action Group works with the Far North District Council to advocate for a more accessible environment for Far North residents and visitors with disabilities.

Far North Youth Council

The Far North Youth Council works with the Far North District Council to provide a youth perspective on issues across the district. Youth Councillors aged 15-24 are selected to represent their district.

Mayors Taskforce for Jobs

The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) is partnered with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to lead the Rural Community Resilience Programme that supports youth aged 16-24 who are not in education, employment, or training, are disadvantaged or living with disabilities.

Nothing But Net

Nothing But Net is breaking down barriers to accessing the internet for Far North communities. This award-winning programme aims to bridge the ‘digital divide’ by improving digital connectivity and infrastructure, increasing internet speeds, and supporting digital education.

Tuia Rangatahi Leadership Programme

The Tuia Rangatahi Leadership Programme is associated with the Mayor's Taskforce for Jobs, and aims to empower rangatahi Māori throughout New Zealand to build networks and contribute to their local communities.

Volunteering and Community Groups

We are lucky to have several volunteer and community groups in the Far North. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer you can find more information here.

Last updated 28 May 2021