Full Feasibility Study Report - Far North District Council

KEY DATES
- Confirmation of central government funding for stage two (tbc)
- Commencement of stage two – design and implementation (tbc)
- Confirmation of consents (tbc)
- Governance group set up (tbc)
- Commencement of track development (tbc)
- Commercial operator appointed
- Completion of track and open for business (tbc)
COMMUNICATION OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the communications plan are to:
- Inform the general public of stage two, its aims and progress
- Inform key stakeholders of the process and how they can have input
- Involve adjacent landowners and other directly affected parties in the process
- Inform Elected members of the process, how to get involved and where they should have
input
OPPORTUNITIES
RISKS
This is an opportunity to:
- Promote the economic, cultural and social benefits
- Promote Council as a champion of recreational activity for locals and visitors alike
- Promote Council as a champion of economic enterprise
- Bring communities closer together
- Provide a forum for dialogue and better understanding between Council and affected
communities
- Land ownership issues (including Treaty of Waitangi claims)
- Wrong messages circulating generated from ‘hear say’ and fear
- Raising community expectations about impact without understanding the inputs/ change of
thinking required to benefit
- Discovery of cultural/historic items
- Timing restrictions
- Resistance from adjoining land owners
STRATEGIC APPROACH AND POSITIONING
- The aim is to firstly provide employment opportunities, initially through design and
construction and ongoing through maintenance and tourism opportunities. Secondly to
develop a high quality tourism asset, that will deliver a world‐class visitor experience for
both domestic and international users, while increase economic benefits to the area
- Initial communications will be by way of media releases, public meetings and the website
- As stage two evolves, there will be a need to continue consultation. This will include
meetings with key stakeholders, further public meetings, hui and individual meetings with
affected parties where appropriate. A separate consultation plan will be prepared
- Communications will encompass continued media releases and use of the website
- Statements will focus on outcomes, the process, addressing concerns and how people can
be involved
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