Excel Rotorua will begin work on a new action plan to influence government investment in Rotorua to improve educational and social outcomes for youth following news the Social Sector Trial is being extended.
Social Development Minister Anne Tolley announced the Social Sector Trials in 16 communities around New Zealand will be extended for a year, to July next year, saying they are "demonstrating that a community-based approach can better coordinate Government resources to the people who need them".
With a view to adopting permanent structures, her department will analyse how the trials can work alongside other initiatives such as Children's Teams and Whanau Ora.
Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake Trust general manager Roana Bennett said the Rotorua Social Sector Trial had already established a cross-agency approach.
"We're working across government agencies and local organisations for combined outcomes that lead to improved educational and wellbeing outcomes for children, young people and their families.
"Our Community Leadership Group, which drives the direction for Excel Rotorua, includes representatives from Government agencies, the local Children's Team and Whanau Ora," she said.
"We now have the opportunity to investigate what sort of structure might lead to some permanent installation in Rotorua of this approach.
Ms Bennett said there was awareness at a ministerial level of what was happening in Rotorua and "we're well placed to move from a platform of funding projects to collaboration for shared outcomes".
Excel Rotorua's current term as a Social Sector Trial finishes at the end of June and the team will now start work on a new action plan to take the initiative beyond that, with an emphasis on what the community sees as priorities and how these can be delivered on in a collaborative way, she said.
"We've been given another 12 months to embed this in our community to achieve shared objectives around educational achievement and learner wellbeing. When we achieve that, we all win."
The Government's Social Sector Trials were established to test innovative ideas for improving the quality of life for young New Zealanders, giving communities control of resources, decision making and accountability for results with a community lead appointed.
Excel Rotorua differs from other Social Sector Trials in that it has a focus on education.
The trial aims to set up a framework to improve educational achievement in Rotorua through educational and social service systems, programmes and initiatives tailored to local needs.