Future Proof

I have attended two meetings relating to Future Proof / Te Tau Tiitoki. This is a joint project set up to consider the important issues that affect our sub-region now and over the next 30 years as outlined in the “Future Proof Strategy 2017”.

The Future Proof sub-region partners are the territorial authorities of Hamilton City Council, Waipa District Council and Waikato District Council, Waikato DHB, Waikato Regional Council, NZ Transport Agency, and Waikato iwi. As the region’s largest employer and agency with a Waikato regional geographic reach, it is incumbent on the DHB to demonstrate civic leadership, and to look at how it can support collaborative work that benefits the health of the wider community. Our sub-region is an area of rapid population growth and development. The population of the sub-region is projected to increase by around 30 percent over the next 30 years. The high growth rates have placed considerable pressure on all three territorial areas and associated service providers. Dealing with the impacts of growth is a major challenge facing this sub-regional community.

Future Proof has historically had a focus on core infrastructure provision (three waters and transport) but this focus is changing in recognition of the need to focus growth planning on supporting achievement of broader community wellbeing outcomes.