A community with a plan

A group of like-minded locals in Paengaroa have banded together to confront challenges facing the small rural community.

In 2015 the Paengaroa community published the Paengaroa Community Plan. While the document is owned by Paengaroa residents, it's facilitated by the Paengaroa Community Association (PCA) chaired by Sue Matthews.

"Our community plan documents the aspirations Paengaroa locals have for our corner of the earth. It's been invaluable to have as it gives us a framework to work with Council and other agencies and creates a pathway to bring tangible changes to Paengaroa," says Sue.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council works with communities to help create community plans.

Part of Council's vision is to encourage vibrant communities and better understand the unique identity of different areas of the Western Bay. Council has worked alongside many communities in the Western Bay in the development of their individual action plans.

"Paengaroa is a great example of a community taking an active role in making village life better. Creating a community plan records the voice of a community and its mandate for an area. It also opens dialogue and creates pathways for change to occur," says Council's Community Relationships Advisor Glenn Ayo.

Issues identified in the Paengaroa 2015 - 2025 Community Plan are:

• Improve access from State Highway 33 across to the Paengaroa Domain
• More recreational areas for young people and families
• To start more environmental projects
• More land for business, housing and industrial growth
• Greater use of existing community facilities (such as the local hall)
• Improved amenities around the village (footpaths, lighting, gardens)
• Encourage local art/murals and create a local history/information point
• Greater community safety
• Promote Paengaroa from a tourism point of view (highlight local attractions and cycleways etc).

To date actions underway with support from public agencies include:

• The opening of the Papamoa to Paengaroa Cycleway (opened in 2016)
• Collaboration with New Zealand Transport Agency on ways to improve safe access across SH 33.
• An original stagecoach has been restored and takes pride of place in Paengaroa village
• Installed traffic calming measures and improving safety along the main highway.
• Planning better heavy vehicle (kiwifruit traffic) access through the village into the rural surrounds
• A community garden is planted and thriving
• Public murals have popped up around the village
• A beautification programme is being developed to enhance the look of the village
• A new cycle rack, picnic table, notice board and a historic panel have been installed
• Increased collaboration with neighbouring Te Puke for public transport and sharing amenities.

For information on the Paengaroa Community Association visit www.paengaroa.co.nz.