Fresh face to steer final stage

Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake Trust general manager Roana Bennett says Excel Rotorua is on track. Photo / File

Rotorua's social sector trial Excel Rotorua is moving into its final stage, spending the next 12 months improving collaboration between education and other community sectors.

The first two years of the social sector trial was focussed on supporting schools to collaborate better, but the next 12 months will be about strengthening the social and education interface.

As part of this transition, Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake Trust has welcomed Marita Ranclaud as the new manager for the trial.

Ms Ranclaud is on a 12 month secondment from the Lakes DHB where she has worked for the past 10 years.

Trust general manager Roana Bennett said Ms Ranclaud brought with her a unique set of skills and networks that would "lift the visibility of the social sector trial across the health and social services".

"The aim of the social sector trials is to use cross-agency resources to effect change in a community. We do this by supporting decision making at the local level, building on existing networks and strengthening co-ordination at every level of government and within the community.

"This is a transformational project and has the potential to influence system change for the better."

Ms Ranclaud will work with government agencies, social and health services, local government and engaging with schools and whanau.

"Excel Rotorua is one of 16 trial sites around the country. The target group for this trial are learners aged 0 to 18. The five project outcomes are increased participation in early childhood education; increased literacy and numeracy achievement; increased success at NCEA Level 2; successful transitions to further education, training and employment; and reduced risky behaviour."

Ms Ranclaud said she was fortunate there was so much support for her to have this opportunity.

"I am looking forward to returning to a grass roots level and influencing system change from the bottom up.

"There are a number of exciting projects on the horizon, such as the Rotorua Virtual Youth Team. I am looking forward to contributing and making a difference."