Over a week in September 2012, the people of Mangakino and the surrounding area got together in a community dreaming exercise about what sort of community they wanted to be. They wrote down their memories of the town's history, described the area's strengths and potential, and discussed their wishes and hopes for the future. Many people took part, and more than 200 ideas were collected for the town's “Dream Wall”.
They found they wanted to have more fun at the lakefront and to swim safely. They wanted better sports, play and skating facilities in the town centre.There was also a longing for the community connection that was once built with picnics and rural events that brought local people together.
Watch the video to follow their journey.
Since starting their journey in August 2011, Mangakino, Whakamaru and the surrounding rural community have worked together using community-led principles to build a much more community-spirited place to live. Mangakino was one of four communities that agreed to work in partnership with Community Operations to pilot the Community-led Development approach over five years.
By focusing on some short term projects - like signage and promotions to attract visitors to the area - the results have built confidence within the community. This can be seen by old community values coming back, a growing pride in Managkino, local people stepping up more into volunteer roles, and children being more active.
They have made positive changes by meeting, talking and working together.
Mangakino has a huge future.
Watch their video and find out more about their journey.
With community-led development, we work within five guiding principles developed by Inspiring Communities: