Old Fund New Goal

[Published in Inside Eastside (formerly Mokoia Matters) May 2013]

The Neighbourhood Matching Fund (NMF) previously the Community Asset Development Fund.  

This is an existing fund with a new name, a new direction and an opportunity to get seed funding for community led projects both big and small.

Nationally there is increased focus on Inspiring and sustainable communities and on the EastSide you already have some great examples of community led development.  The community gardens at Hannah’s Bay Reserve and more recently the Aspen Place Reserve makeover.  If you haven’t seen them go and have a look for yourself, see what a difference a few committed and passionate people can make.

It matters what our environment and spaces look like and it affects how we feel about where we live.  Community ownership of projects is a way to have a positive influence that strengthens your neighbourhood and makes you feel proud of where you live.

The Neighbourhood Matching Fund encourages communities to develop projects using the skills and talents of the people who live there. It allows you to decide what you want to happen in your neighbourhood.

You come up with the ideas, get your friends and neighbours to pitch in and see the difference you can make.

If you and your friends have an idea to create something or have a project you want to run.  If you want to make a difference, and someone has skills they are willing to share and all you need is some financial support, then please contact Rotorua District Council and ask about the Neighbourhood Matching Fund and how to apply for it.

I believe it provides great value for money, and an opportunity to foster local leadership and support creativity from all age groups. 

I encourage you to take pride in where you live and I know that, with the combination of your time and labour and the council’s financial support, great things can happen.

There will be two tiers of grants those up to $1000 and those up to $20,000.

Total annual fund is $50,000. The fund will be available from the July 2013.

If you would like more information please contact me.

Back in the Saddle

My blogging has taken a back seat over the last couple of years, during what has been a very busy second term on council.

With the election looming however, I've been giving some more thought to social media.  I have started a FaceBook page for day-to-day thoughts, photos and links - https://www.facebook.com/crkarenhunt.  Please take a look and "Like" me if you'd like to receive my FaceBook updates.

In this blog, I'll be posting documents that I have prepared for various publications as the election draws closer.  I'll also include anything else I that I think is more appropriate here than on FaceBook.

Make a comment or send me a post if there is anything in particular you would like me to address.
Thanks for your interest and support.

Karen

Something To Celebrate

During the past two weeks I have had the pleasure of attending two events worthy of the community recognition they each received. Wednesday 3^rd November marked the 20 year milestone of the LENZ Rotorua Young Achievers Awards.  These awards celebrate the many great achievements of our senior high school students as they prepare to embark on the next stage in their lives.

Without exception, the recipients are motivated students whose maturity and work ethic are already apparent.  To achieve at this level takes more than good luck and a supportive family.  Of course a supportive family is what makes the difference in the beginning, however it is the students themselves who put in the hard yards.  Their ability to focus on long term goals while not being too distracted by short term temptations will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

The Trustpower Spirit of Rotorua Awards were held on the 8^th November.  These awards recognise and celebrate the volunteers in our community.  They showcase the many and varied ways people find to be of service and give back to the community they love.  What is especially heartening is that in our busy lives volunteering is not just for the retired or more senior members in our midst.  Awarded volunteers were people of all ages who recognise the enormous personal satisfaction that comes with service to others, being involved in something you love with others of like mind. 

I have no doubt many of the Young Achievers of today will be our volunteers of tomorrow.  Many of them already understand what a difference they can make in the lives of others.

Congratulations to all who were recognised in these events and congratulations also to the people and organisations who made these events a reality.  This is our community at work.

All Sworn In

On Thursday 28th October the official swearing in ceremony for the new council was held at Rotorua District Council.  Friends and family gathered to share in this important occasion as we, the newly elected  Mayor and Councillors made our declarations about serving our community to the very best of our ability.  It is a reminder that our role is one of service and advocacy.  Our willingness to do what we believe is right and to stand up for what we believe is best for our community is the driving force for all those who stand for election.  I am looking forward to the next three years and hope by the next election we have a web cam installed as they do in the  council chamber in Taupo,  so more of the community can witness this important event.

It's Official

The results are now final. The new councillors will be sworn in at the Rotorua District Council Chamber at an inaugural council meeting in front of family and friends on October 28th.

The new council committee structure will be announced after the first working council meeting on November 4th. There will be a very quick return to business this term and I for one am delighted that we are going to be getting back to work soon.

There are a lot of good things about an election campaign, like getting into the community and listening to people’s concerns, however it is also a stressful time for all concerned.

I have enjoyed a short break to recharge and am now raring to go. There are a number of big issues coming up, including the notification of the District Plan and submissions on the lakefront development and CBD revitalisation proposals. More on these later.

Thanks again for all your support.

Thanks Your Your Support!

Provisional results have just been announced for the 2010 Rotorua Local Body Elections.  I am delighted to have been returned for a second term on Council, having polled fifth out of 28 candidates with a provisional total of 7574 votes.   I am very grateful for the support I have received and assure you all that I will continue to work hard as your representative on the Rotorua District Council.

A summary of the results as they stand can be found at http://www.rdc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/Elections.aspx.  Voter turnout was looking a little lower than 2007, but 1400 votes were received today and still need to be included in the final count.

Congratulations to my re-elected and newly elected fellow councillors: Cr Bentley, Cr Calnan, Cr Donaldson, Cr Gould, Cr Kenny, Cr Maxwell, Cr McVicker, Cr Searanke, Cr Sturt, Cr Waaka and Cr Wepa.  Congratulations also to Mayor Kevin Winters who has been re-elected to lead the council for his third term.

Best wishes are due to all those who stood, but were unsuccessful this time.  I wish you all the best for your future endeavours.Preliminary results are expected to be updated later today or early tomorrow, so there may be some adjustments to the final standings.  The successful candidates will be sworn in at a ceremony to be held at the inaugural council meeting to be held at the Council Chambers on 28^th October.

Thank you again for your support.  YIPPPEEEEEEEE!

Do You Think It Suits Me?

Some of those big corflute “canvasses” are just too hard for some budding artists to resist!

I acquired some pretty wild facial hair out at Ngongotaha in the last couple of days, but to complete the look I think I should have a cavalier hat, beauty spot on my cheek and a rapier strapped to my hip.

Time is running out for all you Da Vincis out there.  They all come down on Friday with the election results being announced on Saturday afternoon.

If you haven’t voted yet, you’re also running out of time.  Voting papers should go into the post by Wednesday this week or can be hand delivered to the Council Chambers before 12 noon on Saturday 9^th October.