Back in 1959 science fiction author, futurist and inventor, Arthur C Clarke, made some pretty amazing predictions for the year 2000. Greenprint endeavours to find out 'What’s your vision for the future?'
Part of Puke Ariki’s 60 Springs programme, Greenprint gives young people the freedom to think creatively about what kind of a future they want to live in.
Greenprint was developed following the community discussions that took place during What if? The Future of Taranaki exhibition in 2010. The results of these conversations was analysed by Massey University and used as a springboard for debate at two invitation only forums held in Hawera and New Plymouth in November 2011.
Twenty-five young people, aged 18 – 35 years, got the chance to feed ideas into this Greenprint. The evening consisted of some collaborative creative thinking about topics like the natural environment, the built environment, the economy, the community and governance/leadership. Participants were then asked to come up with ideas for the future and present them to a panel of councillors and other influential members of the community. The panel in Hawera consisted of Mayor Ross Dunlop, Councillor Michael Joyce, Councillor Te Aroha Hohaia and Celine Filbee. In New Plymouth participants presented their ideas to Councillor Pauline Lockett, Councillor Craig Williamson, Bry Kopu and Mike Brewer.
The ideas presented to the panels included:
- Different governance models
- A Village Hub
- Economic interdependence
- Speed limit reductions
- Industry research facilities created in partnership with community forums
- Extention of the coastal walkway
- Promotion of waterways for sustainable community use
- Promotion of community gardens (such as fruit trees lining streets)
- Settlement of treaty claims with an open process for all to see, understand and agree upon.
- An archway at every major entry point into Taranaki that provides identity, pride and meaning for our region.