Strong sense of community
Our general sense of wellbeing and quality of life often depends on having caring and supportive networks. Good relationships between people in the neighbourhood build a sense of belonging in the community and promote social cohesion.
What this means for our district:
- People have a strong sense of belonging and are actively involved in the life of Ōtautahi - Christchurch.
- Communities are supported to undertake initiatives that make their local area a better place to live and visit.
- Vibrant and resilient community and volunteer groups provide support, encourage participation and mobilise resources.
- People have strong social networks and someone to turn to in time of need.
- Appropriate services are available within local communities.
Active participation in civic life
Cities work best when residents are actively involved in shaping the city of the future. Participation in community initiatives and wider city processes supports wellbeing.
The Council strives to give our diverse communities meaningful opportunities to have their say and contribute to decisions on issues important to them. The Council is committed to continuing to build its governance partnership with Ngāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga, based on mutual understanding and respect.
What this means for our district:
- People and organisations are listened to and valued.
- Residents have opportunities to be involved in decisions that are important to them.
- Community-led decision-making complements Council decision-making.
- The Council establishes, maintains and improves opportunities for Māori to participate in decision-making.
- Māori are involved in decision-making from the beginning, in areas of mutual interest, especially in significant decisions relating to the environment, social and economic recovery.
Safe and healthy communities
The Council has wide-ranging responsibilities for keeping our communities safe and healthy in both our built and natural environment.
Community and individual safety have many dimensions, including feeling safe from crime. Safe communities can give people a sense of belonging and being valued.
There are also many dimensions to community and individual health and wellbeing (physical, social, spiritual, mental and emotional).
Partnership and collaboration with government and community organisations are critical to supporting healthy people and communities.
Local leadership at every level and strong community networks are key elements in safe communities and they are also crucial to building community resilience.
The city needs to be well prepared for natural hazards and other shocks and stressors. Working with residents to develop planning responses that are appropriate to each community is essential for helping us prepare for future challenges.
What this means for our district:
- Ōtautahi - Christchurch has a safe and healthy built and natural environment.
- Council services support and enable good public health.
- People feel safe in their homes, neighbourhoods and the central city.
- Community facilities and public places are safe, healthy, and welcoming.
- People have active and healthy lifestyles.
- The city is well-prepared for future challenges.
- Our resilient communities have a good understanding of the city’s natural hazard risks.
- Our resilient communities help us to respond to and recover from shocks and stressors.
Celebration of our identity through arts, culture, heritage, sport and recreation
Being able to participate in the arts, cultural or heritage activities, and/or sports and recreation are very important to individual and community wellbeing.
Our individual and collective sense of identity and belonging is enhanced by participating in and enjoying these activities, which build connections with other people and to places.
The Council has a leadership role in making Ōtautahi - Christchurch a city where diversity is welcomed and celebrated. The Council is also committed to a partnership relationship with Ngāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga which recognises that they are mana whenua for the Ōtautahi - Christchurch district.
As mana whenua, Ngāi Tahu has the longest association with many places and resources in the district, including settlements, transport routes, gardens, urupā (burial grounds), and places of importance for mahinga kai (food and resources).
What this means for our district:
- Ōtautahi - Christchurch is an inclusive multicultural and multilingual city that honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi – a city where all people belong.
- We recognise that Ngāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga are mana whenua for the Ōtautahi - Christchurch district.
- We value diversity and treat all groups and cultures with respect.
- Everyone feels welcome in the city and has a place or an activity where they can be themselves.
- Our heritage is a taonga and should be collectively valued and protected, celebrated and shared.
- Sites and places of cultural significance are respected and preserved.
- Arts, cultural, sporting and recreational opportunities are available to all our communities.
Valuing the voices of all cultures and ages (including children)
The Council’s vision for the city is that Ōtautahi - Christchurch is a city of opportunity for all, open to new ideas, new people and new ways of doing things. We want to be an inclusive, connected city.
It is important to the Council to take an inter-generational approach to issues, prioritising the social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing of the community now and into the future.
What this means for our district:
- Ōtautahi - Christchurch has resilient, inclusive communities that build positive relationships, enhance understanding of human rights, and resist discrimination and racism.
- All communities have equitable access to Council services and resources, and their voices are heard and valued.
- There are tailored opportunities for diverse communities to have their say and to shape decision-making on issues they care about.
- Barriers to participation are identified and removed, especially for under-represented communities.
- Our children and young people have opportunities to be heard, and their views are valued.
- The needs of current and future generations are taken into account in city decision-making.