Colyton Community Committee Planning their Future
With their sights set toward the future, Colyton’s Community Committee are finalising their Community Plan. Supported by Council funding, the Community Plan sets the direction for MDC’s support for the village, now and into the future.
In 2023, Colyton’s Community Committee was resurrected with a new group of ten volunteers. Over the past year they’ve worked on their Community Plan, identifying the ‘big picture’ for the village. The plan reflects where they are, what they want and how they can achieve it. The Committee engaged with Colyton locals in a workshop in March using post-it notes and down-to-earth kōrero to brainstorm ideas. Cameron Dyer, the Chairperson for the Committee, valued hearing from the heart of Colyton. “We heard what the community wanted, and their input was the foundation for the plan” Dyer said.
The planning process pulled out three key themes for Colyton’s future: Safe, Connected and Growth. Dyer highlighted as the village continues to grow, so must the infrastructure. Ideas for the Community Plan ranged from beautification projects, planting days, cycle trails, new walkways, digital connectivity upgrades and roading changes, whilst cherishing their local iwi and pioneer heritage.
Dyer celebrated the Committee’s efforts, kickstarting work around the village towards their vision. A recent working bee at the playground saw hands-on support from 30-40 volunteers, a turnout that blew them away! With support from the local Lions club, they rebuilt a fort made in 1986, using timber donated from Feilding ITM, water blasting and repainting an array of colours. MDC’s Parks team have organised a new swing to be installed, and locals have set up a sharing shelf in town, seeing goods such as vegetable plants and books donated. Dyer highlighted that new macrocarpa ‘Welcome to Colyton’ signage is soon to be installed opposite the Ginger Bird Cafe, created by a local timber expert. “The Colyton Community Committee are full of love and active energy for their projects” Helen King, MDC’s Community Services Co-ordinator noted, recognising their devotion as they crack-on with their goals for the village.
It’s no question that Colyton’s Community Committee are painting a bright future for the village. Their Community Plan will guide MDC’s support toward Colyton’s shared vision for their village and community. Once finalised, the plan will be published on MDC’s website, and will mark an exciting milestone for the village, putting their best foot forward for the future.
Volunteers at the Colyton playground workingbee.