In 2012, a small team from CIDANZ and the Takitumu Cultural Society travelled the length of New Zealand meeting with 9 regions to shape what became the Cook Islands Development Action Plan (CIDAP). The plan became the national framework that guided CIDANZ’s work and strategic direction. From these communities came 11 priorities and 59 actions. It has been seven years since the CIDAP was formed and we are in the process of refreshing that plan, renamed the Cook Islands Development Strategic Action Plan (CIDSAP). To do this we are aiming to meet with those founding regions, and others to create a strong national action plan in parallel with a uniquely regional specific plan.
These plans will hold the regions community development stories, and their top three priorities. At the moment we’ve completed 50% of Aucklands refreshment, and this evening our small team of four met with the leaders of the Wanganui Cook Islands Community. The leaders present were proactive in identifying their priorities and future focus. Thank you to these leaders who not only came out this evening, but set the direction for Cook Islands people living and working in Wanganui.