Community Development Group
Guiding local projects and supporting the Community Development Coordinator.
.png)
The Hikurangi Development Group was created to support the long term goals identified through the Hikurangi Placemaking Plan. In recent years the Hikurangi Business Association encouraged Council to work with the community to develop a spatial plan for the area. This led to a volunteer group being formed in 2019 and 2020, with representatives from a range of local organisations. After 1 to 1.5 years of community engagement, Council produced the Hikurangi Placemaking Plan, which set out the shared goals, themes and project ideas for the village.
To help progress these ideas, the community supported the formation of the Hikurangi Development Group and the establishment of a contracted Community Development Coordinator role. Initial funding for the role was received in 2021. The Coordinator now supports project initiation and management, administration for community groups, funding applications, event support, engagement with Council and government agencies, and wider community connection.
The Development Group provides governance and oversight for the Coordinator. For information about the Coordinator role and day‑to‑day project support, please see the Community Development Coordinator page.
Who is involved?
The Development Group is made up of one representative from four local organisations that serve the Hikurangi community.
-
Hikurangi Business Association
-
Hikurangi Friendship House
-
Hikurangi Historical Museum
-
Hikurangi Rugby Club
These organisations bring local knowledge, experience and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of Hikurangi. Members meet regularly with the Coordinator to review progress, set priorities and ensure projects align with community needs. They also bring forward feedback from their own groups and remain available to the public for queries or suggestions.
What does the Development Group do?
The group focuses on:
-
Providing oversight and direction for the Hikurangi Community Development Coordinator (HCDC)
-
Reviewing new project ideas and helping determine next steps
-
Supporting collaboration between community groups, Council and partner organisations
-
Helping ensure projects align with the Placemaking Plan and community priorities
The group meets regularly to discuss current projects, emerging needs and opportunities for the village.
How do you work with the community?
Many projects begin with ideas from residents, clubs or local organisations. The Development Group helps guide these ideas through the early stages, with the HCDC acting as the first point of contact.
To share an idea or learn more about how projects progress, please contact the Community Development Coordinator via the below link.