Support is growing for a bold new plan to tackle poverty in Rotorua - with one of those involved saying results could be seen within a year or two.
Rotorua paediatrician and Lakes District Health Board representative Johan Morreau has thrown his support behind the proposal, as has former Rotorua mayor Grahame Hall.
Mayor Steve Chadwick has teamed up with Far North mayor John Carter and Gisborne mayor Meng Foon lobbying the Government for funding to develop the districts' own solutions to the problems.
They have written to Prime Minister Bill English proposing "demarcation zones" in their districts to try new ideas in welfare, health, education, employment and policing.
Dr Morreau told the Rotorua Daily Post there was real benefit in the proposal - and said the key would be good planning and involving all of the different players.