Residents’ vision for area sought

Taieri Network's new community connector, Leisa de Klerk, has ‘‘hit the ground running’’. PHOTO:...
Taieri Network's new community connector, Leisa de Klerk, has ‘‘hit the ground running’’. PHOTO: JESSICA WILSON
The Taieri Network’s new community connector is keen to hear residents’ visions for the area.

Leisa de Klerk started in the role on January 17.

The network was formed last year following the Encouraging Safety Project, which was a joint initiative between several community groups.

Ms de Klerk spent two and a-half years working at Volunteer South and believed the skills she gained there would help in her new job.

"The good thing about that role was that I got to learn a lot more about the resources and community groups that we have," she said.

"Volunteering is a huge part of any community, so there’s a lot of that knowledge I’ve been able to bring."

Having worked in the community for the past decade, Ms de Klerk was interested in the work by place-based groups because they were led by residents.

When she saw the opportunity at the Taieri Network, she thought it was a great fit.

She is based at the Taieri Rugby Football Club, at Peter Johnstone Park, and has already met some local residents who stopped by for a chat.

"It’s been really good getting to know more of what’s going on and what’s important for people in the community.

"I’ll be making tracks out to Outram and Henley in the next couple of weeks as well."

The initial goal was to make a "comprehensive community profile", looking at the people and resources in the area as well as any challenges or gaps.

"Using that as a basis for us to start asking the right questions and getting responses from people in the community to see what their vision is for Taieri."

The area was a changing space, so creating short- and long-term plans would make it easier to adapt to those changes, she said.

Ms de Klerk would be going out to see people on Mondays and based in the rugby club every Tuesday for people who wanted to make an appointment.

Board member Kristy Compton said the board was initially impressed by Ms de Klerk’s professionalism and passion.

"We feel like we’ve hit the nail on the head and that she’s definitely hit the ground running."


JESSICA.WILSON@thestar.co.nz


 

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