Central Otago wellbeing project launched

The Central Otago District Council is embarking on a bold new project to create a vision of what our district might look like in 50 years’ time.

The conversation is called Shaping tomorrow together, the Central Otago Wellbeing Project, and will explore what this means for different people: Broadly speaking, this could be in terms of health, happiness, prosperity, connection and having a sense of meaning or purpose in life.

And this is where you come in, Central Otago District Council Community Development Advisor Rebecca Williams said.

“Shaping Tomorrow Together, the Central Otago Wellbeing Project,is about identifying what is important to you about living, working, or holidaying in Central Otago.

What do you want Central Otago to look like in 50 years’ time? What will be important to you and will contribute to your wellbeing in the future and how can we work together to make sure we take care of the things that matter most to you.

“This important work will help develop a 50-year vision that will be used to shape Central Otago’s future. It will guide Council’s immediate priorities and inform discussions with Central Government, and other entities that influence this place, to shape longer term decisions in ways that deliver the best possible outcomes for the people and places of Central Otago.

“Fifty years might seem a long way off, but we know how time flies. Think back 50 years and compare then with how we live now, in terms of roads and transport options, quality of housing, plumbing and hot water on tap, waste collection at our gates, state of the environment, good health care, fast communication, convenience, and greater diversity. What could they have done differently with the benefit of hindsight? What could we do differently with the benefit of foresight?

“Motivational speaker and writer Margaret J. Wheatley once said: ‘There’s nothing more powerful than a community that knows what it cares about.’

“Let’s work together to find out what we care about as a community, then plan to make sure it happens – we are the controllers of our own destiny and if we don’t have a plan, we will end up being part of someone else’s!

“We’re asking you what do you care about? What do you hope for? What do you love? We’d love for you to be part of this conversation about the future of Central Otago.”

CODC has partnered with research and data specialists Angus and Associates to gather and compile the information.

People can register their interest in taking part at: www.angusassociates.co.nz/CODCWellbeing.

Registering means that you will be sent a survey to complete during the next few months to let us know your thoughts.

You may also be contacted to be part of one of a series of workshops to be held at locations throughout the district during October/November.

For more information go to: lets-talk.codc.govt.nz/shaping-tomorrow-together.