Establishment group

The Establishment Group (EG) has been formed to guide the initial phases of ACDA development and to begin collaborative cross community dialogue, planning and action. Inspiring Communities has played a key initial role in convening the Establishment Group.

It is not possible, nor is it intended, for the EG to be representative in any way of Auckland’s extremely diverse communities and community sector organisations. The EG considers itself ‘reflective’ rather than representative, with issues of scope, mandate, formality and short and long term directions to be more fully explored over 2010.

It is expected that EG participants will be working and connecting with networks at local levels to enable the aims and activities of the ACDA to be carried out. The question of whether and when ACDA might become a legally constituted entity will be part of the group’s ongoing discussions. It is not intended that the EG automatically become the governing body of any entity established.

Initial EG membership consists of both individuals and community based organisations undertaking various connecting and capacity building roles within Auckland’s existing cities and districts. While active in those organisations, and supported by them to participate in the ACDA, the members do not necessarily represent the views of their organisations and all members of the EG attend in a volunteer capacity.

The EG group so far comprises:

• Yvonne Powley – North Shore Community and Social Services
• Carol Ryan and Chris Jones – Raeburn House
• Tony Mayow and Pat Watson - Community Waitakere
• Phillippa Pitcher – Parnell Trust
• Christine Herzog – Auckland WEA
• Mark Bentley – Manukau Community Foundation
• Tania Kauri – Papakura Council of Social Services
• Megan Courtney – Inspiring Communities
• Denise Bijoux