AIM

Patea is a town of very high unemployment with several generations of benefit dependency. Approximately half the adult population is in receipt of a benefit. It is a town in dire need of a sustainable economic and community development solution. The community believes that the Patea River Pa will provide that solution. They aim to provide sustainable employment and skills training in hospitality and customer service within the tourism industry and to encourage self-employment and entrepreneurial opportunities as well as marketing and business development skills and training.

PROGRAMME

Once constructed, the Pa will require excellent marketing/promotion to create a profitable business. Profits will be returned to the community. The Trust’s goal is to open the complex in September 2004 with trained local people - creating sustainable employment opportunities for Patea.

Stage Two to build on the achievements of Stage One with further development plans for the future. These plans include a café/gallery space and deck catering for up to 80 patrons, a new separate toilet facility, and the introduction of audio visual installations and video/DVD production.

WHAT WE GAVE MONEY FOR

PROGRESS

Strategic plans, business plans, costing and budgets and a feasibility study have been prepared.

Strong links have been made with the tourism industry and with the national museum fraternity.

Independent training providers have run courses in tourism and customer services and an introductory Painting course.

The Department of Corrections work teams have cleared river banks, The Taranaki Regional Council have provided a Riparian Management Plan, and a Boardwalk around the salt-marsh estuary is being constructed. Local people are aware of the uniqueness of the area and are introducing rare plants with the help of the Department of Conservation.

Recently another carver has been employed.

A preview of the Patea River Pa.

And a close up.