Our Impact
13 Years of Collective Action
For more than a decade, Stronger Waitaki has brought together organisations across the district to address complex social challenges through collective action, partnership and community leadership.
This approach has strengthened relationships, improved coordination across services and helped create the foundations for long-term wellbeing outcomes across Waitaki.
"In many ways what has been achieved can be used as a model which other communities could consider emulating." Professor Etienne Nel - University of Otago
Stronger Waitaki working groups
Collective Impact
The Collective Impact Group helps connect and strengthen the Stronger Waitaki network. It brings together shared insights, supports alignment across groups, and identifies opportunities for coordinated action.
This rōpū plays a key role in weaving together community voice, data, and practice to support a shared agenda for wellbeing and resilience across Waitaki.
Contributes to priorities:
1. Advance equity and inclusion for all communities
2. Improve housing access
3. Expand learning and earning opportunities
4. Strengthen health and wellbeing service pathways
5. Prevent harm and foster safe communities
6. Strengthen lifestage wellbeing and intergenerational opportunity
Family Violence and Sexual Violence
The Family Violence and Sexual Violence Working Group brings together providers to prevent harm and strengthen responses to violence in Waitaki.
The group focuses on collaboration, primary prevention, and coordinated, trauma-informed responses that centre the safety and wellbeing of whānau.
Contributes to priorities:
4. Strengthen health and wellbeing service pathways
5. Prevent harm and foster safe communities
Mental Health and Addictions
The Mental Health and Addictions Working Group connects services to strengthen access to support across the district.
The focus is on improving pathways, supporting early intervention, and promoting holistic wellbeing, with an emphasis on reducing stigma and improving access for all communities.
Contributes to priorities:
4. Strengthen health and wellbeing service pathways
5. Prevent harm and foster safe communities
Positive Ageing
The Positive Ageing Working Group supports older people to remain connected, active, and well across all stages of later life.
The group focuses on age-friendly communities, strengthening social connection, and ensuring older residents can access the support they need to thrive.
Contributes to priorities:
2. Improve housing access
3. Expand learning and earning opportunities
6. Strengthen lifestage wellbeing and intergenerational opportunity
Housing Taskforce
The Housing Taskforce brings together partners to improve access to safe, affordable, and appropriate housing across Waitaki.
The group supports shared solutions, informed planning, and collaboration to respond to the diverse needs of our communities.
Contributes to priorities:
1. Advance equity and inclusion for all communities
2. Improve housing access
Youth Impact
The Youth Impact Working Group focuses on strengthening outcomes for rangatahi across Waitaki.
The group supports pathways into education, employment, and wellbeing, working alongside young people to reduce barriers and create opportunities to connect, participate, and thrive.
Contributes to priorities:
1. Advance equity and inclusion for all communities
3. Expand learning and earning opportunities
4. Strengthen health and wellbeing service pathways
5. Prevent harm and foster safe communities
6. Strengthen lifestage wellbeing and intergenerational opportunity
Te Awhi Rito: Under 5s
Te Awhi Rito focuses on supporting pēpi, tamariki, and their whānau in the early years of life.
The group strengthens connections across services and promotes equitable access to support, recognising the importance of strong foundations for lifelong wellbeing.
Contributes to priorities:
1. Advance equity and inclusion for all communities
6. Strengthen lifestage wellbeing and intergenerational opportunity