Working for better community

LEILANI HATCH/Manawatu Standard

COMMUNITY CHECKUP: Tariana Turia visits Marton to look at how their community funded projects are going. She is seen here at the Marton Library ICT Hub with Nash Deane.

Relevant offers

Minister for the community and voluntary sector Tariana Turia says Marton is on track to securing a brighter future.

Mrs Turia visited Marton yesterday to get a glimpse into how the Government's money was being spent on the town's community development programme.

The town's programme receives $80,000 a year from the Department of Internal Affairs as part of its community development scheme. The scheme pays for 12 community programmes every year.

Projects include the Marton and surrounding areas ICT hub which allows for the community to get online, a cultural festival and awareness programme designed to integrate all cultures in the community and they are creating a survey targeted at finding out what youth think of the district.

Community development officer Travis White said the project was about building community cohesion, empowering youth, creating a sense of Marton pride and the chance to offer lifelong learning. "We're making good progress and it's going to be really good for Marton," Mr White said. Mrs Turia said she was delighted by the developments being made. "I'm very excited about the ICT hub as I know how important it will be for this community," she said. "It is very important for the future, and the future development of young people."

Rangitikei Mayor Chalky Leary said the project was a step in the right direction.

`

- © Fairfax NZ News