The Ōpāwaho Heathcote River Network has just released its new Strategic Plan which, over the next ten years, will guide the organisation in its advocacy for the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River.
The new Strategic Plan is built around four “pillars” of endeavour; the health and mauri of the awa, advocacy, community connection, leadership and governance. These are based on a foundation of a strong and respectful relationship with Ngāi Tahu as mana whenua.
Annabelle Hasselman – Chair of OHRN
“Developing a new Strategic Plan has been a wonderful exercise in rediscovering our purpose as an organisation and an exciting development for the river. The Action Plan that we are now developing will turn the strategy work into tangible projects,” said Annabelle Hasselman, OHRN Chair.
“As a voice for the river, and connecting the community groups which are so active throughout the catchment, we are proud of the advances that we have brought about since OHRN began in 2017,” she said, “but there is still so much more to do to ensure agencies and the community work together to bring the river back from its degraded state.”
Amongst many other factors, the OHRN Strategic Plan envisages the organisation adopting key indicators to measure and report on the progress that is being made to return the river to an ecologically healthy waterway that people take pride in, care for and enjoy.
As a foundation member of the Community Water Partnership, it is not surprising that the OHRN in its Strategic Plan places some emphasis on educating the community about the plight of the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River. Key messages are being developed that will indicate how citizens of Christchurch can help to return the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River to health.
“The river is a taonga,” says Annabelle. “We just have to value it as such to rediscover its benefits to all of us.”