Engagement

Engagement with key stakeholders, mana whenua and the local community started at the end of 2020. Over this time we have slowed things down to focus on engaging fully with Tapuika Iwi Authority. Our ability to engage has been impacted by Covid-19 and has taken longer than expected.

During our community engagement we have completed the following:

*delivered letters to 200 houses in the Rangiuru area
*held a series of community drop-in sessions at 240 Rangiuru Road
*facilitated face-to-face meetings with stakeholders, community members and neighbours
*established an 0800 number, created an email mailbox and set up a website with information about the proposed service
*closely engaged with residents, community groups, schools, early childhood learning centres, elected officials and government representatives

Through the engagement process we have listened to the concerns raised by the community. We understand those concerns and have worked through mitigations, such as:

• priority placement for men with Tapuika whakapapa into the service to ensure it is local men who will benefit
• a limited number of men for the first twelve months to ensure the service is scaled up appropriately
• opportunities for the iwi to input into the service
• increased security cameras on the property.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 impacted on our ability to get hold of and to meet with people, as key contacts have been away through sickness or busy as part of the COVID-19 response. It’s been important that we hear from everyone. We appreciate the patience shown by the community as we have gone through this process.

Our engagement with Tapuika Iwi Authority is ongoing as it is with the local community.

If you have any questions about what we want to do, we would like to hear from you. Please contact us on:

• Phone: (07) 5730659
• Email: bopengagement@corrections.govt.nz