CLDP | Otematata Residents

Community Led Development Programme

Community Led Development Programme Report to the Annual General Meeting of the Otematata Residents Association.

11 November 2023

It is with much gratitude to the Department of Internal Affairs that this report is presented to the Annual General Meeting of the Otematata Residents Association. Also gratefully acknowledged for their guidance and support are the Waitaki District Council, The Ahuriri Community Board, the Otematata Residents Association, co-funders who have supported these projects, the members of the CLDP Group, and the people of the wider Otematata Community itself. The Community Led Development Programme has provided Otematata with a wonderful opportunity, and for that, we are very grateful.

Four years after signing the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Internal Affairs, we are entering the 5th and final year of the Community Led Development Programme. During this time and following the community's wishes, the CLDP/ORAI groups identified the projects and commenced planning for the Community Park and Playground Upgrade, Village Beautification, and Wetlands Development. Negotiations with numerous stakeholders led to the securing of funds, engagement of planners, and engagement of a project management company to oversee the letting and management of the main tender. i.e., the Community Park, The Village Centre, and Beautification Development on the North Side of SH83.

The first three years of the CLDP Programme, including all plans and associated details, have been well documented on the ORAI website and in reports at each of the monthly ORAI meetings, so for the purposes of this report, the focus will be on the achievements of the 2022-2023 period.

Key achievements since the last ORAI Annual General Meeting include:

2022 Planning for playground extensions was completed, finance was secured, and the playground installed by Playgear Ltd Dunedin.

2022 Planning for the Community Park, Village Centre, and Beautification on the Northside of SH83 was completed by Baxter Design Ltd, Queenstown.

2022/23 Project Management Company, TSA Management, was engaged to manage the construction phase of the development as follows:

Projects were taken to tender through the GETS process and the project awarded to Paul Smith Contracting.
Budgets were finalised and finance secured, with negotiation and modification from the Department of Internal Affairs.
Consents, approvals, and arrangements for sustainability were granted and /or agreed.
A Memorandum of Understanding with the Golf Club enabled the CLDP/ORAI to provide financial support for the Golf Club irrigation system, in return for the use of water to support the CLDP beautification project on the North Side of SH83..
Development of the Park and Village Centre (as per agreed plans) commenced in July with a completion date of November 2023.

Ongoing Projects include:

Community Park and Village Centre Plans provide the detail around completion of ongoing projects which include a community BBQ and BBQ shelter, additional seating, bollard lighting defining the pathway, and corten steel panels for effect and shelter. Some of these items are subject to supply, and in part by co funding support, however it is intended that they will be installed in the very near future.
Development of the new Wetlands Peninsular Track is progressing as planned and will further enhance the outstanding asset that already exists.
Work on the North Side of SH83 has now commenced and it is noted that this part of the project is generously co funded by the Department of Internal Affairs (initial planning and water access) and the Waitaki District Council. (provision of materials and construction)
2024 projects will be confirmed after current projects are completed and a final financial statement confirmed.

Aligned to this, four members of the CLDP Group have attended a National Hui in Wellington, the Spring Fling was held as an acknowledgement to the Otematata Community, and the Family Day in the Park provided a fun occasion for all to enjoy.

The efforts of all involved with making these projects a reality are gratefully acknowledged.

Richard Paton

CLDP Coordinator

Otematata

Steve Dalley

Chair

Otematata Residents Association Inc

Otematata

September 2023 CLDP Progress Report

September Update

Thank you for all the feedback and support relating to the Community Park development. It will be interesting to watch as the development gradually works its way, alongside existing features, towards the playground and the community BBQ area.

To help keep you informed an updated copy of the plans can be found here, and for those who prefer hard copies these are displayed in the Function Centre entranceway.

Some more good news is that It is now great to acknowledge that money unspent from previous CLDP grants has been officially repurposed by DIA to allow significant on-going developments in the Wetlands. In reality this means that co funded with grants already received from the Otago Community Trust and Meridian, the Wetlands entranceway will be able to be completed, and the Peninsular Walkway Track will be able to be fully developed in a way that people of all abilities will be able to use and enjoy it.

Work on this extensive project will commence in approximately 4 weeks…...so watch this space.

We will continue to keep you informed as best as we can, and in the meantime extend thanks to all involved in these CLDP projects.

Steve Dalley

Otematata Residents Association Chair

Richard Paton

CLDP Coordinator

August 2023 CLDP Progress Report

August Update

With the area outside the shop and Function Centre now officially in the hands of Paul Smith Contracting, work has formally commenced on the beautification and enhancement programme, including the Community Park development.

Thanks are extended to all involved with this project and for the ongoing encouragement to all involved throughout what has been a very time-consuming planning and development programme.

The development is scheduled to finish at the end of October or early November, with several hundred new trees, shrubs and plants (supported by an irrigation system) being planted.

As previously referenced, refer to the updates under CLDP on the Otematata Residents Association Website for full details of plantings and plans.

And as mentioned in previous updates, it is great to see the playground used and enjoyed. An official opening and fun afternoon will be held at Labour Weekend, even though we may still be dodging safety and security fencing from the ongoing works. More will be said about the opening a bit nearer the time.

So, what happens now?

Through the ORAI, the CLDP Working Group has requested to Internal Affairs that the remaining funds (saved from previous grants) are repurposed to enable the development of the new Wetlands Track and complete the entranceway developments. We will need to keep our fingers crossed on that one, but it would be a significant boost to be able to push the go button on that one as well.

Keep checking this site for ongoing updates……. if you have any great ideas, it is still not too late.

Richard Paton

CLDP Coordinator

Steve Dalley

ORAI Chair

Community Update: July CLDP Progress Report!

What’s been happening with CLDP?

It is with considerable gratitude that we report that the Department of Internal Affairs has provided the very significant financial support necessary for the Community Park/Village beautification development to proceed. Although some co-funding will still be required to fully complete the project, the DIA funding means that all earthworks, construction, planting, irrigation, and associated development on the south side of SH 83 will be completed as per the agreed plans.

So, what does this mean in reality?

To refresh your memory, it is suggested that you: Refer to previous updates on this website and check out what the plans involve. Refer to the ORAI financial reports on the Otematata Residents Association website for all information pertaining to ORAI and CLDP finances. (grants, income and expenditure)

So where are we up to and what happens next?

Due to the scale of the project, it was negotiated with DIA to:

Defer the development on the northern side of SH83 and complete that as a separate project - This project remains ongoing.
Co-fund some of the work outside the funds provided by DIA - This remains ongoing.
Do the project in stages to meet the financial obligations relating to co-funding - Agreed.

To enable this to happen the Project Management Team have established a refined budget and work schedule and have worked with Baxter Design to accommodate the changes, while also finalising details with approved contractors Paul Smith Contracting, to enable an August 1st to December 31st construction period. And while this has been happening all details pertaining to consents, approvals and sustainability have been discussed, negotiated, formulated and agreed, with all relevant bodies and affected groups.

A few key points

Brad Dolan (TSA Project Management) remains as the Project Manager Paddy Baxter and Associates (Baxter Design) remains as the project designer.
The Waitaki District Council has been involved from the start and has provided outstanding support and guidance.
Paul Smith Contracting have been awarded the contract for construction, commencing August 1st, 2023. Hurihia Luafitu is our Department of Internal Affairs Advisor and Advocate providing very strong and ongoing guidance and support.
The ORAI remains the governing body for the CLDP. The CLDP Working Group works with the Department of Internal affairs to ensure the CLDP Community Plan and all associated procedures, processes and expectations are followed.

Conclusion

Since the Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Department of Internal Affairs in 2019, the Otematata CLDP and ORAI have followed the Community Plans established from stakeholder feedback. These relate directly to village beautification, community park development and enhancement of the Otematata Wetlands. As has been continually reported in these updates, this has involved considerable planning and preparation for all obvious reasons, however, the stage is now set for the action to commence on the south side of SH83. This will then allow for planning for 2024 to be formalised as we move into the final stages of the CLDP contract. Thanks are extended to all parties involved including the WDC, Ahuriri Community Board, Otematata ORAI and CLDP. And of course, ongoing thanks are also extended to co-funders and the DIA and Hurihia Luafitu, for their ongoing guidance and financial support.

If you have questions or suggestions, please contact us.

Richard Paton

Coordinator CLDP Working Group Otematata

Steve Dalley

Chair ORAI.

Otematata

Community Led Development Programme

CLDP Update April 2023

Even although it was not quite finished, the upgraded playground was a huge success over the Easter weekend and school holidays.

Thanks are extended to everyone who has been involved with the development and extension of this playground, and in particular to those who had the vision and drive in the first place to create the landscape, and to provide the play equipment, the paths, and the bike tracks, that have well and truly stood the test of time.

All of the original play equipment has been retained and added to, with significant extensions made possible by the Community Led Development Programme, the Otematata Residents Association Inc., and the generosity of the Department of Internal Affairs.

Thanks, are also extended to Otago Engineering/Playgear for designing, making, and installing the extensions. They have done a great job and have been great to work with.

The playground has now been gifted to Waitaki District Council who will maintain and depreciate it along with other Council assets, thus ensuring its sustainability and ongoing maintenance.

So, to everyone involved from the earliest of days to the present, it is a huge thankyou as we now move into the next phase of the Community Park development.

And if you have forgotten what that Community Park development involves, check the Otematata Residents Association website for all plans and designs, and continue to watch this space.

Richard Paton

Otematata CLDP

Coordinator

Steve Dalley

Otematata Residents Association Inc.,

Chair

CLDP Update February 2023

Following three years of establishing processes and procedures, and then engaging Baxter Design to do the actual planning, The Otematata Community Led Development Programme is now preparing to enter the construction phase. with TSA Project Management now project managing the programme through to completion under the direction of Team Leader, Brad Dolan.

So, what is happening?

Project Management Company, TSA Project Management, has now been engaged to manage the programme through to completion under the direction of Team Leader, Brad Dolan.

Behind-the-scenes regular site meetings and zoom meetings are being held by appropriate stakeholders to ensure all details and expectations pertaining to a project of this magnitude are adhered to as tender documents are finalised and construction deadlines finalised to maximise planting, development, and construction opportunities.

The October and December updates on the Otematata Residents Association website, (see below) provide all the planning details, (still undergoing some finetuning) and you are reminded to check out the 61-slide Baxter Design set that will lead you through the complete Community Park development.

Contractors interested in any aspect of this work are reminded to contact Steve Dalley (Otematata Residents Association) or Brad Dolan (TSA Projects) for further details.

2023 is a watch this space zone as the Playground enhancement commences, the Wetlands Carpark is completed, the Community Park is developed and enhanced, the area outside the Function Centre and Shop is redeveloped and the Northern side of SH 83 is developed and beautified.

Feedback around this or any other aspect of this programme is always appreciated.

With thanks to all involved.

Richard Paton

CLDP Coordinator

Steve Dalley

Chair

Otematata Residents Association

CLDP Update December 2022

Since the last CLDP update work behind the scenes has continued!

The programme continues to receive full support from the Department of Internal Affairs and our DIA Liaison support people Hurihia Luafitu (Dunedin) and Riwia Apanui (Christchurch), and for this the Otematata team is very grateful.

So where are we up to?

Kath, Marilyn, Steve and Richard have recently attended a two-day National Hui in Wellington along with representatives from the other 18 Community Led Development Partnerships from across NZ. It was an interesting two days and gave us direct reassurance that our processes and procedures, and attention to preparation and planning, have been the correct and most effective process for achieving results.

So, we can now confirm:

The Playground development will start on or about March 7, 2023. This will involve site development and installation.
The new Wetlands carpark in Loch Laird Road is planned for development in February 2023, and the new Entranceway in Loch Laird Road will also be constructed as near as possible to that time.
Community Park fencing remains a priority, and funds are currently being raised for that improvement
Cequent Project Managers (Queenstown) have been engaged to Manage the rest of the programme (ref.the plans and planting schedules previously provided) through the total beautification and development associated with the North side of SH83, the area outside the Shop and Function Centre, and the overall Community Park development (excluding the Playground).

In reality this means that Cequent will engage Quantity Surveyors, ensure consents, and procure tenders, to enable funding to be sought from DIA (and other sources) to enable the project to proceed. Cequent will confirm their timeline but at this stage, given that all the planning is already complete, the intention is to have preparation earthworks and associated developments , completed before winter to allow for the very extensive planting programme to commence at the appropriate time in 2023.

'Local contractors interested in this work are encouraged to contact Brad Dolan from Cequent, or Steve Dalley (ORAI Chair), for discussions around any aspect of this work.'

This does not mean that this is the sum total of the CLDP projects, it is simply a report of what is happening right now. So, keep your ideas coming to either Steve or Richard.

As always, thanks are extended to all involved in the CLDP projects and this includes the support and encouragement from the community at large.

Special thanks are also extended to the Ahuriri Community Board and the Waitaki District Council for their ongoing support, guidanceand encouragement.

With cheers and best wishes to all for a great Xmas and New Year.

Richard Paton

CLDP Coordinator

Steve Dalley

ORAI Chair

CLDP Update October 2022

While it may appear as if little is happening there is a lot going on in the background. Hopefully the following information will bring you up to date but if you have further unanswered questions or suggestions, please talk with us about them.

To keep you fully up with the play it may be helpful to re-read previous updates as a reminder

previous updates as to how we have got to where we are.

Check out the following:

Richard Watson and Steve Dalley sign an MoU between the Golf Club and ORAI for the supply of water for beautification on the northern side of SH83. In return the CLDP has been able to provide $29750 to the Golf Club to support their irrigation development.

The new playground is currently being manufactured and will be installed early in the new year. Funding for this $300 000 upgrade (including soft fall surfacing) has already been gratefully received from the Department of Internal Affairs.

Beautification planning has been finalised and a planning overview included for your interest. This work will go out for tender as soon as a Project Manager is engaged. It will then be a matter of securing funds with construction commencement to allow for planting in 2023. See below for plans.

An application has been submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs to enable the employment of a project manager to lead the remaining projects except for the new carpark and Wetlands development, to procurement stage.

The Loch Laird carpark and Wetlands entranceway enhancement is nearing commencement.

All plans have been approved by the Waitaki District Council and Ahuriri Community Board and all issues relating to sustainability have also been considered and approved.

Local contractors interested in being part of any of this work are encouraged to talk with Steve or Richard for further information and clarification.

Richard Paton

Otematata Community Led Development Coordinator

Steve Dalley

Chair

Approved Project Plans

CLDP Update September 2022

The ORAI and CLDP Working Group are pleased to confirm that there has been considerable progress since the last CLDP Update.

Specifically:

All plans have now been confirmed and accepted as final. These plans are included in this update.
Funding for the first two projects has been approved and allocated by the Department of Internal Affairs.
In association with Baxter Design, a Project Manager will be employed to manage all aspects of the construction relating to the Community Park, beautification on the northern side of SH 83, and the area outside the Function Centre. Construction of the carpark and Wetlands development will be managed locally as per existing practice.

So, what are those projects again...?

1.The Wetlands project includes the development of a new track to the end of the peninsular, incorporating boat access and the creation of specially designed places that can be used for ceremonial events, the sharing of cultural, historical, or educational information, or simply places of reflection and enjoyment.

A newly created carpark will create a sense of arrival and will make access easier at the Loch Laird end, and new entranceways branded to other post and rail gateways in other development areas will provide a sense of continuity and professional and environmental “sameness”.

2.Leading through the Golf Course which has major improvement plans of its own, the CLDP collaborates with the Golf Club in the use of land alongside State Highway 83 (along the Golf Club fence line under the wires). This will provide beatification through a carefully defined “sense of arrival “incorporating specified planting, post and rail corners on the fence line, creative pathways and artistic features linking the A2O cycle track to the town centre. A proposed traffic island (for Transit NZ consideration) will encourage and provide a safer (slowing traffic speed) crossing point to the existing pathway, providing an invitation to the newly developed park, and the shop, carpark, and function centre.

Of course, none of this works without water and the CLDP is grateful of the opportunity to work with the Golf Club to mutual advantage in relation to this.

3.Across the road the triangular area outside the Function Centre undergoes transformation through redeveloped planting, seating, and areas for conversation relaxation and information. And to compliment this, enhanced planting in the concrete medians in the carpark will add to the sense of arrival, impact, and attractiveness.

4. In the Park itself, the sports fields stay as they are, concrete paths and existing bicycle and skateboard areas remain untouched and considerable new planting adds to create enhancement, consistency, and beautification. An irrigation plan will support all development.

Shade areas, seating and a community BBQ will increase the desirability, and approximately six new play stations will further endorse the area as a place of family and fun.

Post and rail fencing will improve safety by acting as a barrier for younger children and will link with the designs of other gateways within the overall development.

And where are we up to...?

The six new play stations are currently being manufactured and will be installed after Xmas
Funding to support the Golf Club irrigation project is available for transfer

And the next steps

Funding will be sought to employ a Project Manager (PM) and Quantity Surveyor (QS)
The PM will take remaining construction and development projects to tender
On receipt of successful funding and co funding applications, construction will hopefully begin about this time next year.

So, what can you do...?

Check out the plans
Check out the playground (The colours are the actual colours)
Consider any work you may wish to tender for or be involved with
Be aware that any projects of this nature may also need to be changed or modified as the process continues.
Talk to us if you have an idea or project that with support would enhance the Otematata Community.

Thankyou

Thanks are extended to all involved with the Otematata Community Led Development Programme and particularly to the Department of Internal Affairs for their guidance, encouragement and financial support.

Gratitude is also extended to the Waitaki District Council, the Ahuriri Community Board, and the Otematata Residents Association, for guiding and supporting this unique opportunity.

Richard Paton

Otematata Community Led Development Coordinator

Steve Dalley

Chair Otematata Residents Association

Update 23 February 2022

It is with sadness that the passing of Anna Frost, our DIA support advisor, is acknowledged in this report. Anna was our supporter and advisor from the start and brought openness, enthusiasm and friendship that built confidence and provided direction as we embarked upon the open-ended journey referred to as “CLDP”. Our thoughts are with Anna’s family and friends as well as her colleagues in the Department of Internal Affairs at this sad time.

So, for the Otematata CLDP what does 2022 bring?

Just over two years into the formal relationship (the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding Nov.2019) it is the writer’s belief that the programme is on the cusp of a phase that on one hand clearly reflects the collaborative successes and endeavours of the working and governance groups, and on the other leads us directly to the implementation and development stages.

To really understand what this means readers of this report are encouraged to re visit the Otematata Residents’ website and refresh their understanding of what CLDP is about. Specifically, encouragement is given to re consider the Vision and the Values, the importance of stake holder engagement, and the opportunity and commitment to not only improve physical facilities and sustainability in an enhanced environment, but also to be reminded that it is about strengthening community relationships through respectfully working together.

The last two years have seen healthy debate as the three main projects have been identified and then as the details of the projects have evolved through careful consideration, considerable community feedback, and professional support. Supported by DIA funding and guidance and linking to the ideals shared by the Waitaki District Council in their 20-year visioning plan, project designs reflecting the wishes of the wider community are now at a stage for final consideration and ultimately implementation of the construction phase.

So, what does this mean in reality?

Remembering that these projects were identified by the wider community as priorities let’s start with the Wetlands and work our way to “swings and slides”. Please note these comments are not reflecting the staged timeline for development (this is yet to be decided) but hopefully they will show how all this links together.

These comments are also not an attempt to explain the designer’s rationale behind his planning or his planning itself. The comments are simply a narrative to try and illustrate that this development is a careful reflection of community feedback relating directly to the Vision, Values and the MoU.as agreed in 2019

The projects

The Wetlands project includes the development of a new track to the end of the peninsular, incorporating boat access and the creation of specially designed places that can be used for ceremonial events, the sharing of cultural, historical, or educational information, or simply places of reflection and enjoyment.

Leading through the Golf Course which has major improvement plans of its own, the CLDP collaborates with the Golf Club in the use of land alongside State Highway 83 (along the Golf Club fence line under the wires). This will provide beatification through a carefully defined “sense of arrival “incorporating specified planting, post and rail corners on the fence line, creative pathways and artistic features linking the A2O cycle track to the town centre. A proposed traffic island (for Transit NZ consideration) will encourage and provide a safer (slowing traffic speed) crossing point to the existing pathway, providing an invitation to the newly developed park, and the shop, carpark, and function centre.

Of course, none of this works without water and the CLDP is grateful of the opportunity to work with the Golf Club to mutual advantage in relation to this.

Across the road the triangular area outside the Function Centre undergoes transformation through redeveloped planting, seating, and areas for conversation relaxation and information. And to compliment this, enhanced planting in the concrete medians in the carpark will add to the sense of arrival, impact, and attractiveness.

Into the Park itself, the sports fields stay as they are, concrete paths and existing bicycle and skateboard areas remain untouched and considerable new planting adds to create enhancement, consistency, and beautification. An irrigation plan will support all development.

Shade areas, seating and a community BBQ will increase the desirability, and approximately six new play stations will further endorse the area as a place of family and fun.

Post and rail fencing will improve safety by acting as a barrier for younger children and will link with the designs of other gateways within the overall development.

So where are we up to?

Ongoing meetings with relevant stakeholders continue as planning moves through final stages. Once approved this will then allow funding applications to be submitted to DIA and the construction management and process to begin. What must be considered is that this is not a “one hit, home run”.

The overall project will need to be broken into stages; collaborative funding partners will need to be sought, sustainability must remain a strong dominant feature, and the reality of a three-to-four-year timeline must be acknowledged.

So, what might the immediate next steps look like?

Remembering that all planning reflects stakeholder feedback and wishes, it is intended to start with the children’s playground where additional play equipment will compliment existing facilities. This high-end inclusive equipment reflects carefully considered stakeholder wishes and is based on the best commercial and professional advice.

Remembering the playground is only part of the Community Park and CLDP enhancement programme, a copy of the plans and proposed stages and timeline will be posted on this website in the very near future.

So, let’s just wait and see. The CLDP Working Group and the ORAI Governance Group continue to get great encouragement from the Department of Internal Affairs, so with luck and good management hopefully we will see the first of these projects coming to fruition in the not too distant future.

Acknowledgement and gratitude are expressed to everyone involved in this time consuming and at times complex process…but through joint efforts, all indications signal that we are getting to the exciting bits.

With best wishes,

Steve Dalley
ORAI Chair

Richard Paton
CLDP Working Group Coordinator.

Update 24 October 2021