1. How might this project benefit the community ?

Below is a summary of all ideas offered as a response to this question - at the recent Community Meeting . Please feel free to develop these further and add your own ideas and suggestions below (click on the "comment" tab.)

1. How might this project benefit the community ?

Pull the community together , schools seen as a visible and viable part of the community, install pride ,children develop pride in their community by being involved in “doing” some of it, taking ownership, providing more recreation options, Stream will look “prettier”, bringing back the wildlife, increased farm productivity, increased pride in Te Awamutu’s history, providing possible work options for the future, keeping the kids busy, providing educational opportunities, recreational benefits, improved water quality, biodiversity, food supplies, schools and community involvement creates greater community involvement, application of theory, providing authentic learning experiences and a sense of achievement to kids, gives individuals and groups something to aim for – a focus, has tourism and economic benefits, develops unity and a sense of belonging, pride for the community ie. People want to associate with TA –may be continued through future generations, life-long learning practiced, key competencies developed and practiced with kids, community work good option for family time, great publicity for the town – a place where our kids learning matters , a place where we value and actively develop responsibility and citizenship in our young people.

2. What are the challenges and obstacles ?

Sense of Politically correct safety/danger issues re: using the stream, creating “safe zone” around stream/park/ bridges, engaging Local Bodies (physical and corporate),
establishing understanding- knowledge of what has been lost with the Stream, working within a crowded curriculum in schools –finding time for schools to participate effectively, (could senior students earn NCEA credites ?), turning words into actions, reaching agreement SOON, engaging children, public apathy, getting “buy in” from the community, getting funding, knowledge or lack of about “The Stream”, staying committed to the project, maintaining work done within the project, management, establishing a good vision – good presentation, understandable and achievable plan, establishing that this is really important for our community.

3. What skills might our kids need/ develop within the project ?

Appreciation of the environment, understanding of appropriate flora and fauna, the history of the Mangaohoi Stream, reclaim past recreational activities eg eeling, helping children to become recognized as participants in our community, appreciation of the cultural –historical and present significance of the Stream, develop potentional for recreational water activities, time management, self confidence, discipline, accessing expert advice, developing a passion for the environment /sustainability, discussion skills, working with others - compromise, fitting in with other plans the town has, innovation and enterprise, heritage – cultural understanding, teamwork, communication, knowledge of how local government works, research skills, problem solving skills, practical skills eg. physical effort.

4. What skills can I offer ? What skills might the community need to provide ?

Water Safety – knowledge and training, sports Waikato Training – swimming competence, ecological information, Time and Interest, history, local maps, infrastructure , networking systems, education programs, supervision, technology, environmental information/ science, safety plan, equipment, commitment, facilitation and co-ordination, comparative studies eg MEIT, photography, educational support, capturing the “before and after”, a community “Skills List” –which could be used by schools to support learning promotion of the idea, financial resources, council resources and support, equipment eg – potting mix, bags, tools, plants, wood etc, ongoing maintenance.

5. What ideas do you have about how the stream could be further developed/utilized ?
Make it more of a town feature, establish a link path (pioneer walk) along Stream, extend the walk SE, enhance the fishery, get rid of weeds , thin/remove invasive trees, dredge it, create a conservation corridor – linking TA and Mangatautari, building on the Mangapiko Steam Vision, improve accessibility, float wharfs for recreation and fishing, historicat information sigh- posted, good signage, create a conoe corridor – donate canoes from local community and hire at info center, restore historical fgeature up –stream ie flour mills, develop riparian management, annual family/ community group “raft races” , develop bird habitats and plant with food trees for birds, create heaps of access points – BBQ areas/ cafes’, live music, toilet access, link with the town’s CBD