This page is not a current Christchurch City Council document. Please read our disclaimer.
Christchurch City Council
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
AGENDA
MONDAY 9 MARCH 1998
AT 4.00 PM
IN THE NO 2 COMMITTEE ROOM, CIVIC OFFICES
| Committee: | Councillor Garry Moore (Chairperson), The Mayor, Ms Vicki Buck, Councillors Carole Anderton, Graham Condon, David Cox, Anna Crighton, Carole Evans, Ishwar Ganda, Pat Harrow, Lesley Keast and Barbara Stewart. |
| Principal Adviser | Committee Secretary |
| Jonathan Fletcher | Kevin Roche |
| Telephone: 371-1548 | Telephone: 371-1536 |
| Fax: 371-1786 | Fax: 371-1786 |
PART A - MATTERS REQUIRING A COUNCIL
DECISION
PART B - REPORTS FOR INFORMATION
PART C - DELEGATED DECISIONS
INDEX
| PART C | 1. | APOLOGIES | |
| PART B | 2. | DEPUTATIONS BY APPOINTMENT | |
| PROPERTY SECTION | |||
| PART A | 3. | FORFAR AND BERWICK COURTS - LAND PURCHASE | RR 7189 |
| MISCELLANEOUS SECTION | |||
| PART B | 4. | RESTRUCTURING OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES | RR 6883 |
| PART B | 5. | REPORT ON CHRISTCHURCH MUSIC CENTRE | RR 7229 |
| SISTER CITIES SECTION | |||
| PART B | 6. | ANNUAL REPORTS FROM SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE | RR 6941 |
| PART C | 7. | SISTER CITIES CONVENTION: TAUPO, 27-29 MARCH 1998 | RR 7719 |
| CHILDREN'S STRATEGY SECTION | |||
| PART B | 8. | NETDAY '98 | RR 7184 |
| PART C | 9. | CCC CHILDREN'S POLICY | RR 7197 |
| COMMUNITY SECTION | |||
| PART B | 10. | CONSULTATION WITH SKATEBOARDERS | RR 7235 |
| PART B | 11. | REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1997/98 CORPORATE PLAN | |
1. APOLOGIES
2. DEPUTATIONS BY APPOINTMENT
Speaking rights have been granted to Mr Warren Pringle, President of the Christchurch Community Arts Council, to speak on the future role of the Christchurch Community Arts Council, its intended projects and funding requirements.
PROPERTY SECTION
3. FORFAR AND BERWICK COURTS ELDERLY PERSONS HOUSING RR 7189
| Officer responsible | Author |
| Property Manager | Errol Waller |
| Corporate Plan Output: 8.7.2 | |
The purpose of this report is to obtain approval to purchase the land on which Forfar and Berwick Courts Elderly Persons Housing are located.
BACKGROUND
In 1977 the former Christchurch City Council negotiated an agreement with the then National Roads Board to utilise vacant land purchased for the proposed northern motorway in Forfar and Berwick Streets, St Albans for Elderly Persons housing.
The Council was to be responsible for rates, pay only a peppercorn rental and have a first option for purchase of the land at current market value in the event it was not required for motorway purposes.
A total of 36 units of a relocatable design (Forfar 24 Berwick 12) were erected on the two sites in 1978 which would allow for their ultimate removal if the land was utilised for motorway. While the units can be relocated, this would involve considerable cost, the loss of existing services, landscaping, paths, roading, disruption to tenants and loss of rental income. In addition alternative sites/or site, would be required and it would be difficult to acquire a block of sufficient size to accommodate the number of units involved.
VALUATIONS
Following the abandonment of the Northern motorway by Transit New Zealand, the land has now been offered to the Council for purchase in accordance with the provisions of the 1977 agreement. Negotiations have now concluded with Terralink on behalf of Transit New Zealand for the Council purchase of the freehold of the land as per the following details.
Forfar Courts
| Area: | 5997m2 |
| Legal Description: | Lots 99 and 100 DP 1527 Part Lots 1 DP 73450 & DP 10863 |
| Valuation: | Government Valuation as at 1 September
1995: CV: $1,265,000 LV: $250,000 Improvements: $1,015,000 |
The current market value of the land has been jointly assessed by Mark Shalders of Bennett Rolle Limited acting for Transit and John Ryan of Robertson Young Telfer for the Council at $725,000 inclusive of GST, if applicable.
All costs associated with surveying and transferring the ownership of the land to the Council are to be met by Transit New Zealand.
Berwick Courts
| Area: | 2610m2 |
| Legal Description: | Lots 1, 2 and 3 DP 23032 Part Lots 1 DP 73450 & DP 10863 |
| Valuation: | Government Valuation as at 1 September
1995: CV: $640,000 LV: $160,000 Improvements: $480,000 |
The current market value of the land has been jointly assessed by Mark Shalders of Bennett Role Limited for Transit New Zealand and John Ryan of Robertson Young Telfer for the Council at $325,000 inclusive of GST, if applicable.
All survey and associated costs in vesting the Berwick and Forfar land in the Council by proclamation under the provisions of the Public Works Act will be met by Transit.
It should be noted that the initial valuation for Forfar Street for the vendor was $810,000, as opposed to the valuation for the Council of $638,000. In view of the difference in valuations a joint valuation was arranged and the lower figure of $725,000 agreed. A similar joint assessment was then undertaken for Berwick Court.
The large difference between the government valuation of 1995 for the sites and the current market value should be viewed having regard to the depressed state of property values in this locality at that time as the prospect of the northern motorway proceeding still existed.
Budget allowance has been made in the 1997/98 year for the provision of $1,000,000 to provide additional flats in an unspecified area. It would be intended to substitute the purchase of the Forfar and Berwick Street sites for this.
| Recommendation: | That the purchase of the land at Forfar Courts and Berwick Courts from Transit New Zealand for the total sum of $1,050,000 be confirmed. |
| Chairperson's Recommendation: | For discussion. |
MISCELLANEOUS SECTION
4. RESTRUCTURING OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES RR 6883
| Officer responsible | Author |
| Employment Services Manager | Brigid Lenihan |
| Corporate Plan Output: Information and Advice to Council | |
The purpose of this report is to inform the Community Services Committee about the changes announced by the Minister of Employment on 17 December 1997.
INTRODUCTION
CCC Employment Services has a strong partnership with New Zealand Employment Services (NZES), Income Support Services (ISS) and Community Employment Group (CEG). The government has announced its plans to merge these three organisations, along with 65% of funding from the Education, Training and Support Agency (ETSA) to form an as yet unnamed 'super department'. Local Employment Committees - of which CCC Employment Services Manager is a member - will also be absorbed into this structure. The deadline has been set for 30 September 1998. This report is to inform the Committee of the likely changes and the implications for Council's Employment Services Unit which is managed by the Canterbury Development Corporation (CDC).
DISCUSSION
Representatives from the 41 local authorities were called to an Employment Seminar in Wellington on 27 November 1997. The emphasis in presentations by the Minister of Employment, Peter McCardle and senior staff from NZES, ISS and CEG was on the role of local government in the proposed employment strategy.
The Minister stressed his support for existing local government employment programmes already in place. His strategy focuses on resourcing communities to formulate local solutions to their employment problems.
The first step in the process of integrating departments will be the appointment of a Chief Executive for the merged government department in February 1998. The Chief Executive will then appoint 15-19 Regional Commissioners. The Regional Commissioners will then appoint staff for the new integrated service. They will work in consultation with a Regional Employment Committee (REC) which will include approximately eight key players in the community involved in employment issues. CDC can reasonably expect to be included in the local REC given its current role and relationship with existing government departments.
SUMMARY
Christchurch City Council is well placed to be an integral part of the new 'super department'.
CONCLUSION
While it is too early to be definitive, the present structure of Employment Services is without doubt at the leading edge of what is proposed by government. The funding structure to be put in place by Central Government should enhance the operation of existing local initiatives and place Christchurch in a positive position for capitalising on the new opportunities presented with this new employment strategy.
To ensure this actually occurs, Employment Services/Canterbury Development Corporation will need to continually keep itself and its initiatives in front of the key government decision makers over the coming months.
| Chairperson's Recommendation: | That the information be received. |
5. REPORT ON CHRISTCHURCH MUSIC CENTRE RR 7229
| Officer responsible | Author |
| Manager Leisure and Community Services Unit | Kevin Roche, Committee Secretary. |
| Corporate Plan Output: Information and Advice to Council | |
The purpose of this report is to inform Councillors on the operation of the Christchurch Music Centre for the 1997 Year.
Attached is a report from Cr David Cox on the major aspects for 1997 and planned events for 1998.
| Chairperson's Recommendation: | That the information be received. |
SISTER CITIES SECTION
6. ANNUAL REPORTS FROM SISTER CITY COMMITTEES RR 6941
| Officer responsible | Authors |
| Communications & Promotions Manager | Sue McFarlane and Dave Adamson |
| Corporate Plan Output: Sister Cities | |
The purpose of this report is to inform Council of the Sister Cities Programme during the period July to December 1997.
INTRODUCTION
The Christchurch Sister Cities Programme was extremely active during the last six months of 1997.
The appointment of one additional International Relations Co-ordinator, at the time of the development of the International Relations Team in 1996, allowed for a sharing of the servicing of the committees, leading to a more focused support of new initiatives. This is reflected in the increased level of international relations activity.
While relationships between schools and community based groups are being continually built on, new linkages are also being forged. The activities and new projects undertaken by these groups and individuals are reinforcing the essence of the sister city concept of 'people to people contact'.
An overview of the sister cities projects undertaken in the six months from July to December 1997 follows, with highlights of forthcoming projects. Reports from the Chairman of Christchurch's six sister city committees comprise part two of this report.
PART ONE : OVERVIEW OF SISTER CITY PROGRAMME -JULY-DECEMBER 1997
Activities between Christchurch and our Sister Cities Delegations Hosted
A number of sister city delegations were hosted in Christchurch by the sister city committees:
Sister City Student Exchanges
Educational Links Forged
- Linwood North School/Christchurch Junior School
- Cathedral Grammar School/Priory School
- Woolston School/Highcliffe Junior School
- Redcliffs School/Mudeford Junior School
- St Joseph's School/St Jospeh's Primary School
Other Linkages Made
Visits to Sister Cities
LOCAL PROMOTION OF THE SISTER CITIES PROGRAMME
Promotional School Visits
Visits were made to four schools, to promote our sister city links:
Displays
- Kurashiki
- Artworks that were exchanged between Merrin School, Christchurch, and Tosung Elementary School, Songpa-Gu.
- Artworks of Dai Shi Fukuda Elementary School, Kurashiki, that were exchanged with Mount Pleasant School, Christchurch
Promotion of Christchurch's Sister Cities
PLANNING IN PROGRESS FOR 1998: ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA
Trade and Cultural delegation to Visit Adelaide, 9-15 March
A Christchurch Trade and Cultural delegation will visit Adelaide from 9-15 March, to coincide with the last week of the Adelaide Festival.
Business matching opportunities are being arranged in conjunction with the Adelaide Sister City Committee and the Adelaide Chamber of Commerce.
The delegation will include four local sculptors, who will sculpt eight tonne of Oamaru stone (currently being sent by sea from Lyttleton) in a central part of the city. The City of Christchurch Town Crier will also accompany the delegation.
In recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Christchurch Adelaide sister city relationship a sculpture has been commissioned and will be presented to the Lord Mayor of Adelaide at an official function.
KURASHIKI, JAPAN
25th Anniversary celebrations
A year of celebrations is being planned in both Kurashiki and Christchurch, in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the sister city relationship. These include:
CHRISTCHURCH, ENGLAND
Student Exchange, April
Twynham Comprehensive School, Christchurch, England are sending a student exchange group of 18 students and two teachers to Christchurch in April - to be hosted by Linwood High School
PART TWO : SISTER CITY COMMITTEES REPORTS
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA
Business Networking
On going contacts have been made in the areas of supplying shark fin by container volumes, nutritious foods for horses and greyhounds, exploring reciprocal greyhound meetings in Christchurch and Adelaide, wine industry connections, to mention those that are less commercially sensitive.
In August I spoke at an information seminar promoting the potential of business links between Christchurch and Adelaide, hosted by the new Lord Mayor, Dr Jane Lomax at the Adelaide Town Hall. The meeting, attended by 50 business people also promoted the planned delegation visit to Christchurch in November. During this visit initial plans were also made for the visit by a Christchurch delegation to Adelaide in March 1998.
Preparations were under way to welcome the Adelaide trade delegation visit to Christchurch during Showtime Canterbury but the visit was postponed. This was very disappointing. It is understandable there are competing pressures from other regions, particularly Asia. The South Australian economy is not robust and the choice between visiting Christchurch (with no direct air flight, which makes the travel long and expensive) or welcoming up to 500 from an Asian country wanting to do business, is very persuasive.
It is easier to attract residents to visit Adelaide than vice versa. Size undoubtedly influences business opportunity on a wide basis but is still attractive in a focused or niche market.
Apart from the three persons representing the Adelaide-Christchurch Committee who visited Christchurch in March, an Adelaide delegation has not been hosted in Christchurch for two years. It is nearly four years since the last visit to Adelaide.
Educational Linkages
Oaklands Primary School has been particularly active. 20 students and teachers visited Adelaide in September and were hosted by their sister school Direk Primary School. The committee provided financial support for this project.
Arrangements were made for students from Canterbury Christian College to email students of St Aloysius College, Adelaide.
Other Linkages
The Director of the Arts Centre of Christchurch was visited by the Director of the Jam Factory, Adelaide's cultural centre, keen to discuss how the two centres can work together and possibly organise artist exchanges.
Prior to his joining the committee, Councillor Graham Condon visited Adelaide and formed a link between Parafed Canterbury and the Australian Wheelies Association, a link that will continue to be built on.
Information received from 'Bizline', the State Library of South Australia's business information service was forwarded to the Canterbury Development Corporation's 'Business Link', who are now in direct contact.
Sculpture Commissioned
The Committee commissioned local sculptor Sam Genet to design and sculpt a piece to be presented to the City of Adelaide from the City of Christchurch, in recognition of the 25 years of the sister city relationship. The Oamaru stone sculpture, which reflects the similarities of the two cities, will be presented to the Lord Mayor of Adelaide at an official ceremony in Adelaide, during the forthcoming visit.
Educational/Cultural Assistance Grant
While the sculptor's art work will mark the occasion of the 25th anniversary, the tangible people to people recognition will be the annual Christchurch-Adelaide educational/cultural grant of sufficient financial value ($6,000) to enable a student to further his/her education in Adelaide with the cost of travel and accommodation and/or research significantly taken care of. Applications will be invited from the public of Christchurch. This may be allocated as two or three grants over a two or three year period, dependant on the applications received from the public of Christchurch.
Trade and Cultural Delegation to visit Adelaide 9-15 March 1998
The last few months the Committee has been involved with the organisation of a Christchurch Trade and Cultural delegation, endorsed by the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce and the Canterbury Development Corporation, which will visit Adelaide from 9-15 March.
Invitations have been extended to local business people who seek business matching opportunities in Adelaide, with introductions and appointments to be arranged in conjunction with the Adelaide Sister City Committee and the South Australian Chamber of Commerce.
The Adelaide City Council has recently placed a priority on trading ties within sister city relationships. Adelaide have identified a number of areas which are of particular interest: food, health, defence, automotive, engineering and stainless steel (in relation to the growing wine industry).
The visit coincides with the last week of the renowned Adelaide Festival, the second biggest multi-arts celebration in the world.
The delegation will include four local sculptors and the City of Christchurch Town Crier. Over 12 days the sculptors will sculpt eight tonne of Oamaru stone (currently being sent by sea from Lyttleton) in a central part of the city, with the finished sculptures being auctioned on the last day of the Festival. The sculptors are to be billeted with local artists through Adelaide's Jam Factory.
The City of Christchurch Town Crier will accompany the delegation, promoting the sculptors and Christchurch and through a linkage with a local media station will read the local Adelaide news.
The committee is an active and very diverse one and represents the interests of the City of Christchurch well.
John Mathewson|
Chairman
CHRISTCHURCH, DORSET
The essence of sister cities is people to people contact.
During the last year, contacts have been established between a number of similar groups in our two sister areas. These have been reported on previously. Emphasis has been placed on establishing these contacts early in life through schools on either side of the world, on the premise that friendships and associations made early in life endure for many years. We now have five primary schools corresponding with similarly aged children in Dorset.
The concept has now extended to secondary schools, and it is pleasing to report that a group of 18 students and two teachers from the Twynham Comprehensive School in Christchurch, Dorset, will visit our city in April this year as the first part of an exchange programme with Linwood High School. Students will be hosted by families of Linwood students, and will spend some time at the school, as well as embarking on a South Island tour, which will be arranged in conjunction with the Social Studies Department at Linwood.
Reciprocal travel is currently being discussed, and the committee sees this as an ongoing exercise.
Members of the committee visited the proposed site of the Sister Cities Garden Park at Halswell Quarry with Mr John Taylor, chairman of the Gardens 2000 committee, and are enthusiastic in their support of this millennium project. Initial correspondence has gone to the Christchurch Twinning Association, recommending their involvement, and we look forward to their positive response.
Further opportunities involving sporting association links are being investigated - opportunities which should prove beneficial should they proceed.
Ted Clarke
Chairman
GANSU PROVINCE, PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
The committee has just completed an extensive programme celebrating the centennial of the birth of Rewi Alley. The Committee raised a considerable sum of money to carry through its programme of celebratory activities and this will be reported on fully to the March meeting.
During the last six months, we have received four delegations from Gansu, including Vice Governor Madam Chen Qiling and Zhu Zuoyong, the Mayor of Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province. As a consequence, we have been able to conduct regular face to face discussions to further contacts at many levels including cultural, sporting, educational and trade.
In August, a group from Christchurch visited Lanzhou, and were able to further discuss our future joint activities, which resulted in the signing in December of a memorandum of understanding for future joint activities.
The major events occurred around the inauguration of the Rewi Alley Memorial Park at Springfield, his birthplace, on 2 December, which the Council supported financially and Mayor Vicki Buck attended. The Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Michael Hardie Boys, opened the Park, and we were privileged to have His Excellency Huang Hua, former Foreign Minister, and Former Ambassador to the United Nations and the United States of America, present, representing the People's Republic of China.
Other highlights of the last six months of activities include:
The committee is greatly indebted to Professor Bill Willmott, for his untiring work as well as that of other committee members; also to the Rewi Alley Centennial Committee which included our Mayor, as well as its Patrons and the Working Party.
As stated above a more comprehensive report will be tabled for the March meeting.
Eric Livingstone
Chairman
KURASHIKI, JAPAN
The Christchurch-Kurashiki Sister Committee has continued to meet regularly, to foster and administer visits, links and better understanding between the two cities.
Student Exchanges
The usual exchanges of students took place, with an inbound group of nine students in July 1997. They were hosted by Mairehau High School, and a full two week programme of school activities and sightseeing was enjoyed.
The outbound group from Christchurch consisted of 14 students and travelled to Kurashiki for two weeks in October 1997. They were led by Committee members, Catherine O'Connell and David Bolam-Smith.
Visits from Kurashiki
Two Kurashiki Council staff visited in March and were again hosted by members of our committee. A new venture for 1997 was the visit of three physically challenged young people and two leaders from Kurashiki for an eight day visit. Keen to learn about the work undertaken in Christchurch for people with physical and intellectual disabilities their visit involved discussions and site visits to a number of organisations: Parafed Canterbury, IHC, NZCCS, Kilmarnock Enterprises, IHC, the Hearing Association, the Deaf Association, Special Olympics, Workbridge, the Canterbury Volunteer Centre. They enjoyed a combination of homestay and hotel accommodation.
Much of the administration for the year has centred around the planning and preparation for the 25th anniversary programme for the 1998 year. Highlights of this will include larger exchange groups, additional visits by a boys choir, football team and possibly a Maori group. It is planned to have a formal delegation each way to celebrate the link with an outward group to Kurashiki in May 1998 and an inbound group in November.
It has been decided to have a special 'Kurashiki Day' in August to coincide with the proposed International Festival of Japan. A large choir consisting of over 50 women will be one of the features of this day. Stalls, cultural and information promotions will also be planned.
The committee continues to update the 'Penpals' scheme by adding new names regularly, to the lists of folk from Christchurch who desire to communicate with Kurashiki residents.
Newton Dodge
Committee Chairman
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A work of sculpture, celebrating the relationship between the two cities, was completed and installed on the banks of the Avon river in August. The committee is currently working on having lighting installed, as well as appropriate signage, which will link it with the heritage trail.
Seattle Scholar Programme
The committee is currently negotiating with relevant organisations in Seattle regarding setting up a Seattle Scholar programme through local schools. Students will be able to travel annually both ways, enabling them to benefit both educationally and culturally. This scheme will initially start with one student, and increase from there.
To assist with broadening the channels of communication and action, associate committee member status has been granted to a number of people, who will be able to support and develop new areas of committee work.
An environmental programme is currently being put together, involving this city's Friends of the Estuary and that of Puget Sound in Seattle.
The committee is becoming involved in the promotion of awareness and knowledge of the connection of bone marrow transplants, which are a part of the strong connection between Seattle and Christchurch, and the new development area of DNA research.
The committee is pleased to be able to continue its connection with David Doherty and Bob Kirby of the Seattle Recycling Programme. As part of this, an international connection has been established between Seattle, Gaziantep in Turkey, and Christchurch.
The concept of the new Sister City Garden Park, a Turning Point 2000 project, is strongly supported by the committee.
Tim Nicholls
Chairman
SONGPA-GU, SOUTH KOREA
Meetings
The committee met 8 April, 3 June, 31 July, 7 October, 3 December 1997.
Personal Contacts with Songpa-Gu
At the invitation of Songpa-Gu, Councillor Pat Harrow, Jim Williamson (Director of Operations) and Sue McFarlane (International Relations Co-ordinator) spent six days in Songpa-Gu, 20 to 25 September 1997. An extract from the committee's minutes reporting on this visit is attached. (NB: Minutes 7/10/97).
The Christchurch Committee met the cost of travel to and from Korea for Mr Williamson and Miss McFarlane, while Councillor Harrow's air fare was paid from Council funds. All costs in Korea were met by the Songpa-Gu Council.
September saw the first visit by students and staff from Aranui High School to Songpa-Gu where they were home hosted by their sister school, Okum High School for 10 days.
Also in September a team from the New Brighton Tae Kwon Do Club visited Seoul and while there were introduced to their opposite numbers in Songpa-Gu by the Songpa-Gu Office.
During October we were visited by 12 councillors, two staff members and a guide from Songpa-Gu, who were shown various Christchurch City Council projects.
Kiwi Korean Friendship Group
Positive action was taken during the year to facilitate the integration of Korean residents in Christchurch with New Zealanders. A friendship group was formed and a number of social activities have taken place and have been well supported. The sister city committee has assisted this group and has been most encouraged by the success of the various functions in seeing assimilation of Korean immigrants into the local community. The Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Korea Veterans Association has given particular support to this group.
Art Exchange
The respective committees in Christchurch and Songpa-Gu approached primary schools and were successful in arranging an art exchange between Merrin Primary School and Tosung Elementary School. The paintings were taken to and from Songpa-Gu by our Council group in September. Discussions have been held with the two schools regarding a formal association and it is hoped this will occur during 1998.
Invitation to Mayor Kim Sung Soon
An invitation has been extended to Mayor Kim to visit Christchurch for 3rd Korea Day, 1 March 1998, but is unlikely to take place this year because of Songpa-Gu Council elections.
Items under Review and/or Dealt With
The committee recorded congratulations to Mr Seong Bang (Charlie) who was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
The committee expresses sincere thanks to our Songpa-Gu Co-ordinator, Miss Sue McFarlane, for her dedicated efforts in furthering the relationship between Christchurch and Songpa-Gu.
Clyde Sugden
Chairman
| Recommendation: |
|
| Chairperson's Recommendation: | That the above recommendations be adopted. |
7. SISTER CITIES CONVENTION: TAUPO, 27-29 MARCH 1998 RR 7219
| Officer responsible | Author |
| Communications & Promotions Manager | Dave Adamson |
| Corporate Plan Output: Sister Cites | |
The purpose of this report is to request authorisation for a Councillor to attend the Sister Cities Convention in Taupo between 27-29 March 1998.
INTRODUCTION
The Sister Cities Convention is held annually, two consecutive years in the North Island, followed by one year in the South Island. The 1998 Sister Cities Convention will be held in Taupo between 27-29 March 1998.
Councillor David Buist has been a member of the Sister Cities New Zealand Board for nine years, but is not standing for re-election. Councillor Buist has nominated Councillor Pat Harrow for a position on the board. The Annual General Meeting of the board, at which the elections will be held, will be on Saturday, 28 March during the convention. Councillor Harrow has indicated a desire to attend the convention.
Councillor Harrow has been a member of the Christchurch-Songpa-Gu Sister City Committee for one year, and prior to this was on the Christchurch-Adelaide Sister City Committee for seven years, including time as chairman. He visited Songpa-Gu in September 1997 as a member of the official delegation.
To broaden his knowledge and understanding of sister city activities, the operation of the Sister Cities New Zealand Board and enable him to network with other people involved with sister cities, it is very desirable that Councillor Harrow attend this convention.
The cost for Councillor Harrow to attend the convention is $1,074.00, to be met from the Councillors' Conference Budget.
| Recommendation: | That Councillor Pat Harrow attend the 1998 Sister Cities Convention in Taupo between 27-29 March 1998. |
| Chairman's Recommendation: | Not seen by Chairman. |
CHILDREN'S STRATEGY SECTION
8. NETDAY '98 RR 7184
| Officer responsible | Author |
| Children's Advocate | Lyn Campbell |
| Corporate Plan Output: Children's Strategy | |
The purpose of this report is to inform elected members of the significance of Canterbury Netday 1998.
Netday is part of a collaborative community project aimed at assisting Christchurch and Canterbury schools to bridge the gap between those children, who in terms of access to information technology, are 'info-rich' and those who are 'info-poor'.
The CCC originally brought together a group of teachers, technical advisers, communications representatives and representatives from Canterbury Development Corporation to consider ways of working cooperatively and collaboratively to help bring our children up-to-date in this area.
This project has developed to include over 100 schools. It aims to assist schools to network their computers, printers and other peripheries together to make better use of resources and ensure that all children have equitable access to information technology. It also aims to ensure that school children in lower socio-economic areas are not disadvantaged.
Netday '98 will bring together volunteers, information technology sponsors and cost effective bulk purchased equipment to provide schools with affordable networking. On 26 June 1998 teams will focus on over 100 schools. Sponsorship is being sourced by the steering group. Canterbury Primary Principals Association has given full endorsement. Canterbury Development Corporation is taking a lead role in progressing the project.
Netday Canterbury is part of a much wider initiative aimed at continuing to build effective partnerships to establish a Christchurch intranet for schools plus a global network which will focus on the year 2000 and beyond.
The vision is to establish Christchurch as the leading centre for information technology resourcing to our children and to ensure that our children are equipped with vital skills to reach their potential in the workforce in the 21st century.
| Chairperson's Recommendation: | That the information be received. |
9. CCC CHILDREN'S POLICY RR 7197
| Officer responsible | Author |
| Children's Advocate | Lyn Campbell |
| Corporate Plan Output: Children's Strategy | |
The purpose of this report is to inform elected members of the process for developing a CCC Children's Policy.
The Children's Strategy Research Report was completed in January 1996. A Children's Advocate was appointed in December 1995 to begin in January 1996.
The Research Report has been a working document following its adoption by Council in 1996.
It is proposed now to move forward from the working document to preparing a Council Children's Policy. It is anticipated that this will cover the following:
The development of the policy will proceed as follows:
| Chairperson's Recommendation: | That the Community Services Committee agrees to the preparation of a Council Children's Policy using the process outlined above. |
COMMUNITY SECTION
10. CONSULTATION WITH SKATEBOARDERS RR 7235
| Officer responsible | Author |
| Youth Advocate | Robyn Moore |
| Corporate Plan Output: Information and Advice to Council | |
At the request of the Chairman it is intended that a supplementary report be submitted to the Committee on a possible process for consultation with skateboarders in respect to the use of, and access to, areas for skateboarding.
11. REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1997/98 CORPORATE PLAN
Implementation of the 1997/98 Corporate Plan for the period to 31 December 1998 will be reviewed for the following Units:
Copies of the monitoring reports have been circulated separately and should be brought to the meeting. Councillors may also care to bring Volume II of the 1997/98 Corporate Plan to the meeting.