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Project Maniototo

Funded by the Department of Internal Affairs and administered by Central Otago REAP (Rural Education Activities Programme), Project Maniototo is a 3 year contract working towards outcomes and objectives defined by the Maniototo community.  The role is based on supporting and facilitating innovative approaches to community & economic development in the Maniototo.

Based in the iconic Art Deco style Centennial Milkbar, the Project Maniototo Coordinator, Amie Pont, is available on (03) 444 9993 or email [email protected].  Amie and a locally based advisory group aim to bring the community together in a more co-ordinated, mutually beneficial approach to community and economic development.  With the growth of Tourism in the area and an ever increasing load on volunteers in a relatively small population base, a forward thinking, collaborative approach has been adopted.

The 5 main projects identified as top priority for the Maniototo Community through community consultation, public meetings and existing community plans are:

Heritage

Working with community groups to identify important heritage sites in their townships and to develop interpretation signage required for the creation of a Maniototo Heritage Trail.  Project Maniototo provides assistance with researching the costs & consents required in reaching their goals.  Many of the Maniototo communities are currently working on their heritage stories.  Project Maniototo is also providing the technical assistance for consistency in layout and design.

Review the current status of oral history collections and develop a plan to coordinate these so that they become an accessible and communicated piece of Maniototo history.

Volunteer

Create a database of community contacts & develop a process for matching skills, interests & expertise for community initiatives and activities.

We will also be exploring how to assist community groups with their annual fundraising plans.  Being able to co-ordinate these will assist in ensuring groups aren’t using the same ways to fundraise at the same time.

Project Maniototo will also explore ways to increase volunteer contribution by the younger generations.

Events

Working with individuals and collective groups a process for communiacting calendars of Maniototo events is being developed.  Maniototo Events Calendars up until 2013 are now available on the EVENTS page.

Identify training  or development needs in event planning and management skills will be explored as well as consulting with groups to develop ‘how to’ guides for event development and management.  This will include information on funding plans and how to be more effective in securing event income, funding and support.

Project Maniototo will also develop suggestions for new events and activities in the Maniototo.

Tourism

Collect and provide independent feedback on visitors’ experiences to the Maniototo.

The first Tourism Marketing Strategy has been developed for the area and Project Maniototo will now facilitate with Maniototo Promotions and the wider community to develop an agreed direction for tourism concepts and promotion of the area.

Coordinate and supprt the delivery of effective business/customer service development courses and community programmes.

Social/Artistic & Cultural

Focus on identifying social, cultural and artistic needs and interests in the Maniototo communities, in all age groups.

Facilitate community consultation and opportunities for individuals and groups to identify current resources, facilities, programmes and the gaps that exist.

Collate this information and draft a plan of action for new initiatives, activities and pilot programmes.

VIEW THE 1994 HEARTLAND TV SERIES MANIOTOTO FEATURE WITH GARY MCCORMICK.