The Safer Whanganui project framework

Whāriki

The Steering Group have created a woven whāriki (see below) to illustrate the interrelationships between the Steering Group representatives (horizontal strands) and the six priority focus areas that have a Reference Group responsible for them (vertical strands). There is a seventh focus area (Education) not currently shown in the whāriki as the Steering Group is responsible for that area rather than a specific Reference Group. The whāriki shows the range and interdependency of agencies and sectors involved with safety outcomes for Whanganui District.

Also embedded in the whāriki are the following Safer Whanganui principles:

• Safety is a universal concern with all in a community having responsibility for it
• Community safety requires a co-ordinated and intersectoral approach
• Relationships with Iwi are important
• Leadership of Safer Whanganui is cross-sectoral
• Working together will support members to achieve on their own organisational priorities
• Understanding and being responsive to, the specific needs of Whanganui.

The current Safer Whanganui framework emerged from the Safer Community Advisory Group (SCAG) which had formerly been part of the national network of Safer Community Councils (SCC). At the core of the development of the Safer Whanganui project has been ongoing consultation with the wider community and recognition of the need to develop stronger partnerships at a local level - between local authorities, Iwi and Pacific groups - for local joint leadership, participation and responsibility. In recent years the project has broadened its definition of ‘safety’ to incorporate crime prevention with road safety and injury prevention. The Steering Group recognises that ‘safety’ is also linked to overall community wellbeing, which local authorities take into account when planning, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002.