Community Outcome - Strong Families & People, Young & Old

This page describes the Community Outcome: Porirua is Strong Families and People, Young and Old.

Banner Image: Porirua is Strong Families and People, Young and Old.

Porirua is strong families and people, young and old - "A city that welcomes and includes all people and supports families and communities."

Heading image: What does this mean?

We know about our city, its people, their strengths and their likely needs. We work to continually improve the network of support services available harnessing the local knowledge and expertise. We work together to encourage participation in civic activities by people of all ages, welcoming and including visitors and residents. We aim to ensure that families enjoy a good quality of life, have a sense of belonging and look after each other.

Council is one of many organisations that help to make Porirua a welcoming and inclusive city. Some of the ways we do this include maintaining and sharing information about the city and its people, providing facilities and services to meet the needs of communities and by encouraging participation in local decision-making. Council also takes a leadership role with other government agencies through the Porirua Strategic Coordination Group and has advisory groups for youth and older persons.

Heading image: What are our priority projects?

There are many projects and activities that illustrate our commitment to strong families and people in Porirua.  Four examples are:

(1) Neighbourhood Policing Team - Cannon's Creek North

A Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) has been operating from Cannons Creek Police Station since November 2011.  The aim of the NPT is to prevent victimisation, improve perceptions of safety and increase trust and confidence in the Police.  Over 500 residents were surveyed by NPT staff at the end of 2011, and five priority issues were identified:

  • family violence
  • youth crime
  • road safety
  • alcohol and related offending
  • organised crime and drugs

Having identified the issues that cause the most harm to residents, the NPT is developing partnerships with community groups, individuals and government agencies to enable pro-active responses.  A community safety panel has been established in an advisory capacity and includes representatives from community organisations, local businesses, schools, Council, the residents association and interested residents.

Two NPTs have been established in each of the twelve Police Districts throughout New Zealand. The other NPT in the Wellington Region is based in NaeNae.  NPTs will work intensively in selected community for 3-5 years.

(2) Resilient Communities (Emergency Preparedness)

Strong families need to be prepared for emergencies and ready to look after each other. Porirua City Council has taken an innovative approach to disaster preparedness by working with Partners Porirua and local schools in the "Are We Ready At Home" project. Working with children encourages their families to think about household emergency plans. Schools are also made more aware of their roles in emergency care and in being potential Civil Defence or Community Welfare Centres.

(3) Porirua Community Family Violence Prevention Network (PCFVPN)

PCFVPN is a network of government and community based agencies committed to working together to create a healthy and safe families and communities free from violence. The PCFVPN was established in 1999 and has grown over time. It now employs a coordinator. By working together members of the network contribute to reducing and preventing family and whanau violence in Porirua. Key elements in their current Strategic Plan include:

  • public education to increase community awareness of the impact of family violence,
  • improving information and access to local family violence prevention services, and
  • education and training for service providers.

For further information contact the Preventing Family Violence Coordinator, Fanau Centre, Cannons Creek, Porirua - Phone (04) 237 7749, or cellphone 027 238 0524.

Heading image: Who else helps with this outcome? 

Heading image: What else helps with this outcome?

Many strategies, policies, programmes, charters and agreements contribute to this outcome, and are directly relevant to Porirua, while others are more of regional or national significance. Some that play a part in this outcome are:

 

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