Cultural Wellbeing Strategy for Waitakere - Auckland Council

SECTION TWO THE STRATEGIC DIRECTIONSculptures, Te Atatu PeninsulaPacifica craftsGUIDING PRINCIPLESA core value underpinning the Cultural Wellbeing Strategy forWaitakere is the understanding that diverse cultural valuesstrengthen our wellbeing. A set of guiding principles has beendeveloped to provide focus and direction for the strategy asa whole. They underpin the strategic pathways, have beeninfl uential in the selection of the action areas and will provideguidance in determining future priorities and actions.The Council is more likely to contribute to improved culturalwellbeing outcomes if it:1. works in a manner that actively promotes culturalinclusion and takes account of the diversity of thecommunities living in Waitakere2. develops effective mechanisms for engaging with a widevariety of different communities3. actively seeks ways to reduce the barriers that peoplefrom different communities experience in accessingservices and facilities in the City4. develops an in-depth understanding of the sociodemographiccharacteristics of the neighbourhoods andcommunities in the City, including the challenges facingthem and the resources available to them5. fosters the pioneering, innovative, creative, risk taking,‘Westie’ mentality6. focuses on what will unite and connect people whenconsidering issues and making decisions7. brings cultural leaders and leadership to the fore indeveloping our City8. acknowledges the fundamental role of places,experiences, history, spirituality, and natural and culturalheritage in shaping our culture and identity.OUTCOMES, PATHWAYS ANDACTION AREASAt the core of the Cultural Wellbeing Strategy is a set of highlevel outcomes and a set of strategic pathways and actionareas for achieving those outcomes.The outcomes are a synthesis of the Community Outcomes,ideas from national and international literature and theCouncil’s current strategic direction. They are intendedto be clear, simple, aspirational statements that spell outwhat people and communities in Waitakere need in order toenhance cultural wellbeing and prosperity.The strategic pathways are the mechanisms for achieving theoutcomes and outline both the focus of Council and suggestpriority action areas for investment and activity. They areintended to encapsulate the best ways for Council to achieveimproved cultural wellbeing outcomes and to build thecapacity to sustain those outcomes into the future and underchanging circumstances.SECTION TWO THE STRATEGIC DIRECTIONBEST FOR THE WEST - CULTURAL WELLBEING STRATEGY FOR WAITAKERE 19